31 October 2015

Scriptures:

• James 4:1-10
• Zechariah 4
• 1 Kings 22:41-53
• Psalm 91

Observations:

In the James passage, he is writing to address quarrels that have apparently been breaking out between church members, showing the root of their quarrels to be personal selfishness. Therefore, James writes a stern recommendation for humility in heart and action, to break themselves and cleanse themselves and, in their humility, God will raise them.

In the Zechariah passage, we see a prophecy for Zerubbabel in which God is showing his power and favour towards him. He also shows that Zerubbabel will complete the temple. The imagery in the vision corresponds to Joshua and Zerubbabel and Jerusalem itself.

In 1 Kings, we see the reigns of Ahaziah and Jehoshaphat described. The former is described as being as sinful, walking as his parents and Jeroboam did, leading Israel in worship of other gods. Jehoshaphat is described as a decent king. Politically, he doesn't seem to have been the most effective, but he sought to follow after God.

The psalm today is talking in detail about the protection of God and how we are secure in him, shielding and delivering us because of his love and because we hold fast to him in love.

Application:

Short, because of time.

Three key things I see:

• Humility
• Trusting and following in God
• God is our protector and provider

These are all contained withing the James passage, too, but I want to focus on these three. Humility is foremost, as without it we cannot truly or completely trust and follow God. As for the last, God is our provider and protector. As we seek and follow him, he meets our needs and helps either shield us from what we cannot withstand or gives us the strength needed to withstand.

30 October 2015

Scriptures:

• James 3:13-18
• Zechariah 3
• 1 Kings 22:1-40
• Psalm 90

Observations:

James homes in on the idea of wisdom in this passage, stating that the wise will show their wisdom through their works and the manner of working. Acting of jealousy or ambition, boasting in one's wisdom is not wisdom, but is base, earthly and unspiritual. James describes wisdom as pure, gentle, reasonable, merciful, fruitful, impartial, and sincere. Similarly to how Paul talks about the fruit of the Spirit by which we will know true believers in Galatians, James is talking about the fruit of wisdom.

In Zechariah, we see a vision given to the prophet in which the high priest, Joshua, is ordained by God. During this vision, God also makes reference to Jesus (the Branch) and the coming day of salvation.

In 1 Kings, we see the death of Ahab. We see Ahab making a wartime alliance with Judah, the various court prophets prophesying victory, while the one prophet of God, brought in at the request of the king of Judah prophesied their downfall, saying that God had sent the false prophecies of success to bait Ahab into his death. So, at the battle, Ahab wore a charioteer's armour while Jehoshaphat wore his and Ahab was killed by a stray arrow.

The psalm today is a prayer of Moses. It seems to be an intercessory prayer on behalf of Israel. He comes to God, speaking of how God has worked with Israel in the past, before praising God's might and displaying man's frailness. He admits their sin and acknowledges God's judgeship. He closes asking or mercy, that the Lord's favour would be upon Israel. Reading this passage, you get a real sense of Moses prostrating himself before God, praying this. There is a great understanding of and respect for God and his power. 

Application:

First, I could definitely apply Moses' perspective of God to my life. I could definitely use a greater view of God in his promises, his faithful history, his works, his majesty and glory and power, his judgment, and my weakness. Perhaps I view God too lightly because I know he loves me and sacrificed himself for me. Perhaps I have this whole Old Testament-New Testament dichotomy going on with regards to God's character, but Moses' perspective is a stern reminder of the gravity of coming before God.

Second, as Solomon writes, "The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom." Wisdom is something I greatly desire. This is part of why a correct view of God is so important. That and I have a lot of work in  myself to undertake. I'm forgetful; I fail at following up; and I take on many things too rashly. I'm impulsive - quick to speak and slow to think. I'm oblivious of others, particularly of others' feelings. I'm not saying all of these things have to be perfect before I am wise, but these are hindrances, preventing what wisdom I have, what little I have asked for and has been granted me, from being effective.

Prayer:

<Not typed up today>

28 October 2015

Scriptures:

• James 2:14-26
• Zechariah 1:1-17
• 1 Kings 20
• Psalm 88

Observations:

In James, we see the passage describing faith and works, how they are inseparable and that works are the outpouring of a living faith. He is quick to make a point, though, that is is not the works which saves us. Matthew Henry describes the justification of works as "... having such faith as produces good works." ("James 2:14-26", Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary. e-Sword). That was the faith of Abraham and Rahab, as illustrated in this passage. Their works counted them as righteous, because they were outpourings and evidences of a genuine faith.

In the Zechariah passage, we see the Lord declaring his return to Jerusalem, bringing mercy (Zechariah was an exilic prophet). At the beginning of the passage, though, is a word to Israel to be apart from their ancestors, who did not turn from evil, though the Lord sent many prophets.

In the 1 Kings passage, we see Ahab heading up against Ben-Hadad, of Syria. God used a prophet to try and get through to Ahab, saying that he would bring Ahab victory over the vast horde encamped at Syria and show that he is God. A couple battles later, Ahab's army had captured Ben-Hadad and Ahab had entreated with him and released him. Shortly thereafter, a prophet of God, posing as a soldier/guard whose charge had run off, confronted Ahab about this and foretold his downfall.

The psalm today is one of crying out to God. The psalmist appears to feel forgotten by God. He is describing how we feels, as one dead and abandoned, and is asking God why he permitted this to happen.

Application:

The most obvious thing follows up from yesterday's reading - we need to actively live our faith. If our faith produces no works, no difference in our lives, how real, how solid is our faith. If faith in God makes demons shudder, how much more should we, who profess belief and faith, as well as discipleship, display some outward effect?

The only other thing I noted as of particular worth today is something in the 1 Kings passage. Did you notice how God was speaking to Ahab through a prophet. Clearly, God is giving the man a second chance. Of course, he blew it, not following the directions, but, nevertheless, he was given a second chance.

Prayer:

God, it's awesome that you give grace. Help me to be better about doing so, as I seek to follow after you more outwardly.

My apologies in advance for the short prayer - I need to run soon, but I want to thank you for the various individuals and opportunities you've put in my life. Far too many to list right now. I just ask that I would be a good steward of what's been given. Help me to com out of my sins, especially of self-gratification and lust. Those are two major thorns in my side.

Continue to help my wife and I grow closer together, forging unity out of our differences.

Amen

27 October 2015

Scriptures:

• James 2:1-13
• Haggai 2
• 1 Kings 19
• Psalm 87

Observations:

In the James passage, we see two key ideas. The first is that the church should not hold partiality between individuals. The example given is a wealth disparity issue, but this can be applied to race, sexuality, gender, sinfulness. We cannot say to one, "Here, you take this [better] seat," and to another, "You can go sit back there [in a lesser seat]." In so doing, we have become judgers of others. I, for one, know myself to fall into that category of judger and really need to take a look at how in interact with others. The second idea hones in on the idea that we are all sinners. He segues on the idea of partiality being sin and, therefore, we have broken the law, just as a murderer, liar, or adulterer. Because of this, we should speak and act as those to be judged under the law of freedom, which is  a similar distinction as Paul's grace instead of law, meaning we should be acting as recipients of grace, extending grace to others, showing mercy, for, as James writes, "Judgment is without mercy to one who has shown no mercy."

In the Haggai passage, we see a couple things. First, is a blessing/encouragement to the leaders managing the building of the temple, of which part is a prophecy for a future temple. Second, we see God and Haggai discussing laws of cleanliness and how, prior to the temple building being started, Israel's work was blighted, but how from that point onwards, their work would be plentiful. Last, is a prophecy to the governor, detailing what the Lord will do in the future, overthrowing nations and making him the governor, to be his signet ring, presumably that his descendant would be the messiah (cf Matthew 1).

In 1 Kings, we see Elijah fleeing for his life, in fear of the queen, Jezebel. Out in the wilderness, God meets with him in the stillness and comforts him - he tells him he is not alone, that there are 7000 others who have not bowed in worship to Baal. He also tells Elijah to anoint the two next kings of Israel and Syria and to go pick up Elisha, who will follow in his place.

The psalm is of one to God, in praise for him being the god of Jerusalem. It is more about the god-given greatness of Jerusalem than anything else.

Application:

The James passage puts a clear challenge to much of the church. How are we interacting with those not of the church, those who believe and act differently than we do? Of course, this doesn't mean we compromise our message, but we must comport ourselves in a manner reflective of Christ, who welcomed and dined with sinners and, in reaching out, brought many to himself. We cannot expect the gospel to spread if we act like everybody else and don't permit anyone to truly join us. What is enticing about that? What about that encourages someone to stay? It's funny how those who were once the lepers have become the pharisees and I include myself amongst the latter.

We need to be putting God first in everything. Where the Israelites fresh out of exile had put themselves first, God reminded them of who the priority was. We also see how Elijah put God first and how, even in his weakest moments, God was there to comfort him. God is not some dispassionate deity, but one who possesses a genuine desire for a relationship with us. He cares for our needs. That being said, we must not assume God is some teddy-bear pushover. He is also a jealous god who demands primacy. There is none other than him and nothing before him, as he told the Israelites through Moses and reminded them through Haggai. 

As for myself, these two reminders are important.

1. Reflect Christ through impartial love.
2. Place God as only and the first priority.

Prayer:

Lord, it is really easy to lose sight of these two issues. Help me to see where I act partially, excluding others by my actions and dimming my representation of you. Show me also when I worship something other than you or put you second to another, be it a person, an ideal, an item, or an action.

Lord, I ask today that you were able to begin some good work in my wife. Help us both to grow in understanding of ourselves, so that we can help understand each other. If I need to begin a similar process, Lord, let me know as well.

I also ask that the decision my parents have arrived at is of you. Confirm that to us all, that we may encourage them.

Give my sister eyes to see you, rejoicing in your love and presence. Allow her, also, to have the insight from your word that she needs.

Grant my brother the diligence he needs to perform well in his exams.

Speed the healing in my other brother's arms - let the break heal cleanly, and without fault.

Bless the believers in Albania, that through them may come many other disciples.

Amen

26 October 2015

Scriptures:

• James 1
• Haggai 1
• 1 Kings 18:20-46
• Psalm 86

Observations:

Okay, so, where Romans takes three chapters to expound upon one idea, James covers three ideas in one chapter. In this passage, we see James talking about perseverance, calling on God in faith, and temptation and Godliness. On perseverance, James has the funny notion that we should rejoice in our suffering, as our suffering produces perseverance, and our endurance rewards us in the end. On calling on God in faith, James segues from the first half of perseverance, saying that, if we lack wisdom, we should ask God for it and, if we are asking in full faith, we will receive it. He then defines this asking in faith as not doubting, which makes sense, because the one who doubts does not fully trust (i.e. have faith in) God. On temptation, James writes that we should not blame God for our temptations, for God does not act in such a way. No, the source of our temptations lies within ourselves, with our own sinful desires; I mean, has anyone ever been tempted to do something they have absolutely no desire to do? No. Temptation plays off of where we have placed our desires (e.g. porn addiction), either expanding on what is sinful or attempting to subvert that which is good (e.g. subverting the drive for sex to start looking at porn). Instead, we are encouraged to live out Godliness, which is to abstain from worldly sins and desires and to live out the word of God instead of merely hearing it and professing to follow it.

In Haggai, we see the Lord speaking to Israel through Haggai, pointedly asking them why the people live in nicely-finished houses while the temple, God's house still lies in ruins. (This is post-exile). The nice thing about the [immediate] post-exilic crew is that they were wanting to return to the Lord. So, they hopped to it and began work on the temple.

In 1 Kings, we see the account of the showdown between Elijah and the prophets of Baal. It's a very well-known story in Christian circles. What's important is that we see the showing of Baal to be false and not a god and God to be real and actually God. The funny part is Elijah's teasing of Baal. He calls out Baal for various traits that are more human than god. Maybe he's not paying attention. Maybe he's on the toilet, somewhere else, or sleeping. Subtly, he's saying "Your god's not a god."

In the psalm today, we see David praising God. He is praising God for his faithfulness, provision, listening, mercy, grace, and majesty. He also takes some time asking that God would draw near to him and be gracious to him, but it's more in a manner of seeking out God rather than asking a request of God like you would Santa or a vending machine. He's saying, in a sense, "Lord, I see you as you are, for your greatness. Permit me to draw close to you, that I may learn from and grow under you, that you would protect me with your grace." David is very intent on the relational aspect of following God.

Application:

So, to pull out the main ideas, we need to persevere in full faith, following the word of God and abstaining from sin, doing the work of God, putting him first, understanding his reality, power, and grace; and seeking a closeness with him that comes only through a genuine relationship that seeks the heart of God.

In other words, I need to check my actions and motivations constantly. Am I doing this to fulfill a temptation or to follow/honour God? Am I putting God first in my thoughts and actions? Am I seeking God's person or merely contenting myself to a knowledge of him? Am I ignoring the various opportunities to live outwardly as a Christian, or am I picking up the cross and persevering what persecution may come?

These are all areas of application in my life that need to be part of my subconscious mindset.

Prayer:

Lord, I could be in a much better state than where I am. Thank you for bringing me to this point, but do not allow me to be content with where I am. Help me to see and understand greater aspects of your character, that I may walk closer with you. Make me into a man like David, Josiah, Elijah, Moses, or Enoch, men who followed you with an intimacy and desire greater than myself. Help me to understand with my heart what my head still cannot fathom. Help me to engage in you. I want to draw closer, like a chick following a hen. Wrap me closer to yourself and show me your love and grace, that I would not remain unchanged by your presence.

I cannot be selfish here, either. Bring to yourself my wife in a similar manner. Give her your reassurance and affection. Embrace the Christians serving in Albania - let them know your peace and your assurance, growing emboldened by your presence with them.

Continue your tending to my family, giving them strength and wisdom to face the current situations. Reassure them of the decision they have arrived to and bless their futures.

Amen