16 January 2016

Scriptures:

• Psalm 15
• Genesis 16
• 1 Chronicles 16:4-43
• Luke 9:51-10:24

Observations:

In the psalm, David is laying out a list of characteristics of a godly man, of one who is able to dwell in the presence of God

• Someone blameless in righteousness
• Someone of integrity & truth
• Someone who neither slanders nor harms his neighbour
• Someone who respects and uplifts his peers instead of scorning them
• Someone who despises evil
• Someone who supports others who follow God
• Someone who speaks the truth of matters and does not vacillate to suit his wants
• Someone who gives freely, not for personal gain
• Someone who will not be swayed by gain in favour of the guilty

David then wraps up his psalm, saying that he who does these things will never be moved.

Looking at that list, the only thing I can say is that I definitely do not deserve to be in the presence of God and yet, in his love and mercy, knowing we could not come to him, he came to us with an offer of absolution so that we could dwell in his presence, should we accept.

In Genesis, we see Abram and Sarai taking God's promise of a child into their own hands, stepping outside of God's will. What is interesting to me is that, although Sarai was the one to suggest it, when Hagar had conceived and begun acting contemptuously towards Sarai, she laid the burden of the consequences at Abram's feet. Another thing that's interesting, though, is God's faithfulness. You see, God promised that Abram's descendants would be numerous and, while the child in Hagar's womb was not the descendant line that god was intending, Ishmael was still of Abram's seed. So, we see God showing mercy to Hagar while she is in the wilderness, promising that the descendants of her child would be numerous and great (and the Ishmaelites have indeed been numerous and great, even up to this modern age. They were a nomadic peoples, divided also into 12 tribes, spreading from northern Sinai to the western borders of Babylon, north into the border between modern-day Saudi Arabia and Jordan, many of them referenced by Greek and Assyrian historians. There is some indication that they may have been traders as well and also some indication that certain Ishmaelite tribes may have been the forefathers of modern Arabs).

In 1 Chronicles, we see the celebration following the Ark of the Covenant being brought into Jerusalem. Most notably, we see David's psalm of praise to God, exhorting the people to seek after God, recalling his covenants, remembering his protections, declaring his greatness and the false nature of idols, encouraging the people to follow the example of nature in praising God, and lastly encouraging the people to turn to God for their salvation.

In Luke, we have a number of incidents along the way to Jerusalem, as Jesus is making his way there for the last time. The first is the refusal of a Samaritan city to host him and his followers, because he was headed towards Jerusalem. What is interesting is that a couple of the disciples, understanding the power of God, but not his purpose, asked if they should call down fire on the town to which Jesus rebuked them. The second is Jesus outlining the cost of following him, sounding almost like he is trying to dissuade people from following him, which is understandable, since many would seek to follow him for the prestige of following a rabbi, not understanding that what Jesus taught often ran counter to conventional wisdom. The third is the sending and return of seventy-two of Jesus' followers. We see his emphasis on taking nothing with them and living at the mercy of whomever they come across. When they return, we see his exhortation to not rejoice in the power given to them over evil, but that their names are written down in heaven. The fourth is Jesus' woe towards the unrepentant Jewish cities, because they have received prior knowledge of God and still do not acknowledge Christ. The fifth and last is Jesus' rejoicing in the Father's will for how God has revealed himself.

Application:

Okay, so these are scattered passages with different foci. In the psalm, we see God's perfect standard. In Genesis, we see God's faithfulness and holding to his word. In 1 Chronicles, we see an exhortation to praise God. In Luke, we see Jesus trying to teach his followers the whole point of his ministry and purpose.

I myself, I see encouragement to praise God for how he has come to me, giving me the opportunity to dwell in his presence, though the sending and sacrifice of Jesus. I see encouragement to praise God for his faithfulness, to trust in him because of the accounts of his past faithfulness. Lastly, I see that there are still many things about God and his purpose that I still do not understand and need to grow in wisdom and understanding of.

14 January 2016

Scriptures:

• Psalm 13
• Genesis 14
• 1 Chronicles 14
• Luke 8:22-56

Observations:

In the psalm, David is bringing a request to God. He wishes to know when God will hear him again, when he will have joy again, and when he will no longer be oppressed. He tempers his plea, asking that the Lord would give him life and keep him alive so that his foes may not rejoice over his fall. In the first two stanzas, David is bringing these mournful requests, but in the last stanza, we see his tone change. He instead turns and says that he has trusted in God's love and that the Lord has dealt bountifully with him.

In the light of such trustworthy benevolence, David is able to say that his struggles and fears pale in comparison, knowing that God will hear him and come to his aid because God has been faithful in such action in the past.

In Genesis, the first thing we see is Lot's capture during a war between many Mesopotamian city-states as well as Abram's covert ops rescue of him and his possessions, while routing the invading forces. The second thing is the blessing of Melchizedek, king of Salem upon Abram. Lastly, we see Abram refusing the king of Sodom's offer of reward, mentioning a covenant he had made with God to not take any spoil from his efforts.

In 1 Chronicles, we see two distinct things. First, we see David's accumulation of power and recognition through marriage treaties. Second, we see the present state of David's relationship with God. In two different instances, David sought the Lord's direction in dealing with invading Philistines, was given an answer, and followed the directions explicitly. In this passage, we have an indication of the spiritual health of David. At this time, he still had a strong relationship with God and was seeking him humbly, though it is clear he had also begun enjoying the privileges of power, dipping his toes into what would eventually contribute to future strife.

In Luke, we see a number of encounters displaying his power. First, in calming the storm on the Sea of Galilee, he demonstrates his control over creation. Second, in casting the demons known as Legion out of the man in the graveyard, we see his power over demons. Third, in the healing of the woman with the bleeding affliction, we see his power over illness. We also see that his power is inherent, exuding from him such that someone who acted out of faith, in desperation, received healing. Fourth, in the healing of Jairus' daughter, we see his power over death.

Application:

God is powerful. God is faithful. 

He is able to deal with our sins and fears, our worries and consolation. He is trustworthy and reliable, able to be counted upon in times of need.

In many ways, I see myself like David in 1 Corinthians. God has put me in a better place and I am seeking him out, but I can also see myself becoming careless, cozying up in the way things are, not holding myself to a higher standard. 

So, what do I need to do? I will bolster myself in God, barricading myself in his word, seeking him and his will completely, allowing him to transform me further, that I would interact with others as he would, showing his love and allowing myself to understand by his wisdom.

Frankly, I need God, in part for the same reasons as before, but in part for new reasons as well.

13 January 2016 + Love Dare Day 40

Reading & Memorising Scripture

Scripture:

• James 4:3

Observations:

I think this is a big one. As Christians, we're often told time and again that God will answer our prayers. What I find interesting about this passage, is that it puts a condition upon God's answering of prayer.

In this passage, James is commenting on the hearts and motives of the church, telling them that the reason they haven't received what they asked for was because they asked from their own desires, not taking the time to seek the greater will of God. 

So, because they're asking in prayer for things to gratify themselves, God is using James to let them know that the reason their prayers haven't had any answer or fruit is based around their end desire. When they're able and willing to ask of God from a godly heart and a truly God-seeking heart, then God might respond differently, but as long as they're seeking gifts or word from God to  use for their own pleasure, then they will continue to not receive.

Application:

Well, I need to check within myself the reason I ask what I am asking of God. Am I asking because it'd be something nice to have or am I asking because it's something I need that is in line with God's will for me.

~ ~ ~

The Love Dare

Day 40: Love is a Covenant

12 January 2016 + Love Dare Day 39

Reading & Memorising Scripture

Scripture:

• James 1:15

Observations:

In this passage here, we have the progression of sin. At first, we have a mere desire, a temptation. If we allow the desire to take root, it leads us down a course to sin and death. That is our curse. That is the pattern of mankind.

So, then, we must exercise control about what we allow to grow within us. It's somewhat similar to taking captive every thought in that it involves us being aware, but this one is different in that it's focusing on which thoughts lead to our sin.

Application:

I must continue to be aware of my different desires, so that I may fight temptation effectively and efficiently, not falling prey to the desire-sin-death cycle.

~ ~ ~

The Love Dare

Day 39: Love Endures

11 January 2016 + Love Dare Day 38

Reading & Memorising Scripture

Scripture:

• 1 Thessalonians 4:3-5

Observations:

This is a really good passage, with some solid nuggets of wisdom.

[T]his is the will of God - Pretty self-explanatory, but it's good to see Paul reinforcing this point.

your sanctification - I could have tacked this onto the previous segment, but I  wanted it to stand alone. What God desires is for us to worship him. In true genuine worship, we find ourselves becoming more like him as we discover what pleases him. Additionally, for those who believe in Christ's sacrifice, we have the holy spirit of God residing within us, urging us towards godliness.

that you abstain from sexual immorality - Paul specifically mentions this sin in particular as the first in a list comprising a good portion of a segment in how to please God. 

that each one of you know how to control his own body - In a way, this falls under abstaining from sexual immorality, but it has a slight difference. Where the former is more about avoiding sin, this passage is about disciplining yourself, taking control of one's desires and urges, making them captive to the greater calling of sanctification

in holiness and honour - This is to be our mentality of discipline. Holiness, to be set apart for a divine or sacred purpose; and honour, an adherence to what is right or a standard of conduct, high respect or esteem. That is, we should be holding ourselves to a higher standard of conduct and esteem because we are to be set apart for a divine purpose.

not in the passion of lust, like the Gentiles who do not know God - Here, Paul is providing the contrast. We honour God in our sanctification away from sexual immorality towards control and holiness instead of indulging our lusts like those who do not believe in God. Note that the distinguishing factor is belief in God. There is nothing special about being a Christian or a Gentile with regards to sin except knowing God. That should tell us that God is the causative agent of such change in us.

Application:

There are two take-aways for direct application in my life.

1. Do not slack in my discipline against sin
2. Rely on God for my defense and offense before anything else.

~ ~ ~

The Love Dare

Day 38: Love Fulfills Dreams

"What is something your spouse would really, really love? And how often do you ask yourself that question?"

Well, that's a question I don't ask often. I need to ruminate over that one, but I know it varies, involving different acts of quality time.

10 January 2016 + Love Dare Day 37

Reading & Memorising Scripture

Scripture:

• 2 Corinthians 10:5

Observations:

In context, this passage is talking about the nature of our war. We do not war against enemies of flesh and blood, but of spirit. So, then, as Paul points out, our weapons, should we be backed in Christ, are possessed of divine power, capable of tearing down strongholds.

So, then, we come to today's verse and it is on how we are to do so. To that goal, there are two methods detailed here

1. We destroy every argument and lofty opinion against God and knowledge of him
2. We take our thoughts captive in obedience to Christ

Now, that's all well and good, but what does it look like?

Application:

To the first, I need to be well-versed in my knowledge of God. It doesn't hurt to be schooled in rhetoric, philosophy, or some other such focus, but if I don't know God and his word, I can't defend it and I definitely cannot use it on offense.

To the second, I need to be aware of every thought and idea running through my mind for the sole purpose of capturing those which are not of Christ, that they may be excised and my mind brought into greater obedience of Christ.

~ ~ ~

The Love Dare

Day 37: Love Agrees in Prayer