9 October 2015

Scripture:

• Romans 3:21-31
• Ezekiel 31
• 1 Kings 4
• Psalm 69

Observations:

In Romans, we see Paul showing that, through the sacrifice of Jesus for the sins of us all, there is now righteousness apart from the law, which is imputed upon those who believe in him. Our righteousness, then, is no longer bound to our adherence of the law, but our adherence to the personage of Christ, the faith derived therefrom leading us naturally in obedience.

In Ezekiel, we see Ezekiel prophesying to Egypt, reminding them of Assyria and its might, before reminding them of its fall, insinuating that that just as they are being likened to Assyria in their height, they will liken Assyria in their fall.

In 1 Kings, we see the establishment of the officers of Solomon's kingdom and the growth and prosperity of the nation.

In Psalm 69, we see David seeking God. He is coming forward, broken, dishonoured, oppressed, and is seeking for God to so much as turn his face towards him and hold his oppressors at bay, tat he may be saved and other glorify God.

Application:

I'm all kinds of off-balance today. The psalm really resonated with me on that count and the reminder from Romans that it is not my own performance, but Christ's actions that make me righteous has definitely helped put my soul more at ease.

Prayer:

God, I thank you for your word. I thank you for your peace that, even when I am knocked off-balance by my sins and feel tossed about and out of control, I am brought back to level ground and set on my feet to move forwards, growing once again in you.

Lord, I need forgiveness for my sins, even so early into the day, for I am a man of an impure mind and wild desires. Help me to restrain my mind and desires to what honours you, not what gratifies my flesh.

Grant my wife the strength to face her current obstacles. Give her the strength to endure and the courage to overcome.

Give my parents the wisdom they need to make their decision.

Amen

7 October 2015

Scriptures:

• Romans 2:17-3:8
• Ezekiel 28
• 1 Kings 2
• Psalm 67

Observations:

• Romans 2:25
• 1 Kings 2:1-3

In the Romans passage, Paul continues his comments to the Jews holding the teachings of the law over others. He asks them to consider themselves - the law they teach, do they themselves follow it? Circumcision filled with vanity is considered uncircumcision and uncircumcision filled with Godliness is considered circumcision. Paul also tackles a few key issues in the beginning of chapter 3:

• What's the merit of being a Jew or being circumcised? The Jews were entrusted with God's words.
• Does the faithlessness of those bearing God's name nullify God's faithfulness? No, God is true despite that all of us are liars - God is justified in his own words
• If our unrighteousness displays God's righteousness, isn't God being unrighteous in punishing us? Of course not. How else would God judge the world?
• If my lie/sin happens to glorify God, why am I still considered a sinner? To be answered later
• Why not do evil, that good would come of it? To be answered later

In Ezekiel, we see God speaking against Tyre and Sidon, rebuking Tyre for its pride and describing their falls.

In 1 Kings, we see David's last words to Solomon, his heir. We also see Solomon fulfilling his final wishes and taking a very firm stance in securing his throne (maybe slightly too firm, but that's just me)

In the psalm, we see exhortation for the people to praise God, asking his blessings and singing in general praise.

Application:

Well, seeing as I'm giving a talk in youth group on witnessing, the aspect of the Romans passage on following what you teach stood out to me. That and David's words to Solomon, encouraging him to be strong, be a man, and follow God, are what stand out. 

These two passages, though, actually play into each other rather well. If I follow after God, keeping his commands and loving his word, then I will be following what I teach. What's more, I will be equipped with the strength I need to be strong and be a man of God, despite what opposition may arise.

Prayer:

Lord, I want to thank you today for the amazing time of worship we had. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of leading it and, despite my shortcomings and sins, allowing me to join in worshipping with my peers. I continue to ask that you would soften my heart and fill me with your love, that I would overflow with praise to you spontaneously. I see my sins, Lord, and my need to overcome them, but I also ask for the heartbrokenness that comes with a sincere desire to repent from my ways. Help me to stop checking my emotions at the door, but to allow them to push me towards you in love, need, grief, guilt, sorrow, and joy.

Give me the wisdom I need for my daily endeavours and help me to navigate the waters of marriage while trying to stay afloat in school. Help me to manage my time for maximal studying and retention, that I would honour you with my work.

Be with my wife right now. Help her to use some of today to relax, unwind, and spend time with you. Help her to come to the cause of her back and abdominal issues, that it may be treated. 

Give my parents the necessary wisdom and reveal to us where your will dictates they go right now.

In your name I pray,

Amen

6 October 2015

Scriptures:

• Romans 2:1-16
• Ezekiel 27
• 1 Kings 1:28-53
• Psalm 66

Observations:

In the Romans passage, Paul is speaking to those who claim the law and judge others therefrom. Those who seek God will find him. Those who seek themselves will receive their just dues, for righteousness does not come from hearing or knowing the law, but from obeying it.

In Ezekiel, we see, once more, the downfall of Tyre, as the mercantile exploits of Tyre are recounted in exquisite detail, before its abrupt fall.

In 1 Kings, we see the actions of David and his council to Adonijah's presumption.

In the psalm today, we see the psalmist praising God for his might and deeds, for how he has taken Israel through many tribulations into a place of well-being. So, we see the psalmist promising a sacrifice to God out of the sheer joy and praise he has to offer to God.

Application:

Honesty, I really want the joy of the psalmist. To be able to step out and make a grand gesture of praise because I want to is awesome. 

Of course, there's nothing stopping me but myself and my thousand hangups.

What was that part in the Romans passage about seeking God genuinely? (Rom 2:14-15)

So, as one who knows God and knows the law, should not my life and praise be even more honouring to God?

Prayer:

Lord, my outward life needs work. Of course, that also means my inward life needs work. 

I don't want to be a hypocrite, proclaiming your greatness while not allowing it to impact my heart. Instead, Lord, permit your word and your love to impact my heart even more greatly than in the past, that, from the overflow of gratitude and love, my words and actions would speak of you, proclaiming your works to those around me.

Teach and allow me to trust you more deeply.

Amen

5 October 2015

Scriptures:

• Romans 1:18-32
• Ezekiel 26
• 1 Kings 1:1-27
• Psalm 65

Observations:

The Romans passage is very much like the Ezekiel passages we've been seeing, wherein a people who starts off with evidence that God exists, yet turns away from God and, therefore, is given over to their depravity.

The Ezekiel passage prophesies the fall of Tyre in the siege of Nebuchadnezzar as punishment for Tyre's seeking of gain through Israel's fall. Looking at the prophesy and the history, I expected that Nebuchanezzar's siege would have sacked and ruined Tyre, but it only attacked the mainland half (which is the part mentioned) of Tyre, driving most everyone out and into the island half of the city. Alexander the Great brought Tyre to its eventual, complete demise.

In 1 Kings, we have David nearing his death. At this time, another of his sons decided to set himself up as the next king without David's knowledge. So, we see Nathan, the prophet, and Bathsheba, the mother of Solomon, who was supposed to be the next king, coming to bring this issue to David.

The psalm today is praising God for his goodness, his providence, and his might, describing how the earth itself gives praise to God.

Application:

The only application I see from these passages is another admonishment to be aware of my standing with God. Where do I stand? Am I indulging myself in illicit things, devoting myself to false idols, absorbing myself in the wrong ideas or uses of time?

I'm tired and becoming increasingly so. Medical school is excellent, but it takes so much out of me that I find myself cutting corners to get some time to myself. I need to use my time appropriately and effectively, if I want to make it anywhere.

Prayer:

God, give me wisdom. I know I have sinned in a number of ways, lust, anger, bitterness, and I need your forgiveness. I see myself beginning to enter a spiral of selfishness again and I don't want that to happen. Help me to be completely satisfied in you and to trust in you for my energy and strength each day. Let me not grow weary from the studies I should be engaged with and give me the motivation to use my time more responsibly. I cannot afford to be slack in any manner.

Be with my wife, too. Help her to encourage me in my studies and to not be disappointed, drained, or feel abandoned by my need to study and help me to know when to put the books away to best serve her.

Give my parents the wisdom they need for this moment. If there's any insight you wish to come from me, please show me.

Also, show my wife and I where you're planning for us to serve.

Bring my sister back to you, Lord.

Amen

1 October 2015

Scriptures:

• Luke 22:47-23:25
• Ezekiel 22
• 2 Samuel 21
• Psalm 61

Observations:

•  Ezekiel 22:30

In Luke, we have a couple of occurrences. First, is Peter's denial of Christ. Second, is the sham of a trial at the high priest's house. Third is the set of trials, one at Pilate's house, the other at Herod's, in which both rulers found Christ innocent and unworthy of death. Fourth is the crowd badgering Pilate to release Barabbas, an instigator and rebel, and to crucify Jesus.

In Ezekiel, we see God listing the sins of Jerusalem and explaining his judgment, before expounding on what his judgment would be. I found it interesting, though, how God said that if there were even just one righteous man who could stand before him, then the judgment would be forestalled, but there is none (v30).

In 2 Samuel, we see David tiring reaching old age. First he is entreating with the Lord to bring restoration to Israel and the first part of that, he was told, was to restore peace with the Gibeonites, whom Saul had broken oath with. Second, we see him growing weary with war and his men standing up for him, lest he fall.

The psalm today is one of David praising God and asking that he might remain in his presence.

Application:

Really, what stood out to me is the role of a righteous man. Not that I'm claiming to be righteous, but, through Christ, I am counted as such. We see throughout scripture the effect of righteous individuals in gaining God's ear and forestalling judgment and destruction. So, for me, I need to really live out the righteousness of Christ that is given to me and make a difference in the world around me.

Prayer:

Lord, help me to grow in righteousness. Thank you for this break before classes which I could use to spend time with you. Help me to minister to my wife, classmates, and the youth group as though they are being ministered to by you. Help me to act as you would act, speak as you would speak, and love as you would love.

Teach me more of your ways and bring me to overcome my sins, that I may glorify you more greatly in my less-sinfulness.

Amen

30 September 2015

Scriptures:

• Luke 22:1-46
• Ezekiel 21
• 2 Samuel 20
• Psalm 60

Observations:

In Luke, we have the last supper, as Jesus is preparing his disciples for what is to come, though at this point, they don't quite understand yet.

In Ezekiel, we have a pronouncement of destruction upon Jerusalem and the directions for how Ezekiel was to pronounce said destruction. (Ezekiel was definitely one of those prophets whom God told to do some weird, extreme things)

In 2 Samuel, we see some more of the political wranglings that wracked the second half of David's rule. We also see the example given by a wise woman who forestalled Joab, seeking to preserve her city, and delivered his foe out to him instead.

The psalm today is praising and entreating God for his help in battle.

Application:

Prayer:

God, all of these passages were just a blur. I really need you right now. I need you to adjust my heart - the bitterness and resentment that is there. Allow me to come to a better state, to be able to communicate my issues instead of leaving them to ferment inside me and sour. I also ask that you would do the same for my wife. We both need a lot of work. We're under a load of stress and we really need you to perfuse more deeply into our lives.

I'm tired. I'm stressed. I feel entitled right now to relax in ways I want to. I feel like I'm pouring out tons of myself with no chance to refill. Meet me where I am and renew me, Lord.

Amen

28 September 2015

Scriptures:

• Luke 19:47-20:44
• Ezekiel 19
• 2 Samuel 17:24-18:23
• Psalm 58

Observations:

In the Luke passage, we begin to see the opposition of the pharisees, priests, and teachers of the law to Jesus and Jesus' responses to their attempts to trip him up in matters of scripture or law.

The Ezekiel passage talks about the kingdom of Judah as it was, compared to how it is now, a shadow of its former self, taken captive by the nations around it.

In 2 Samuel, we see the outcome of Absalom's attempt at a coup - his death (despite the direct command by David to not kill him)

In the psalm, we see David praising God for his righteousness and justice.

Application:

I think, if I were to draw a theme across all of these passages, it would fall into this general idea: The progression of a Christian from seeking God's heart to man-made standards of religion, motivated by a personal desire for status and position. Essentially, that's what happened with the Jews, with the formation of the pharisees and sadducees, to the point that they were aware of who Jesus was saying he was and the scripture to back it up, but refused to believe it because he did not act according to their ideals and standards they had set today. Absalom rebelled against David because he did not get the treatment and recognition he thought he deserved. Israel turned away from God because it thought it knew better than God what to do and how to live.

And God is a God of justice and righteousness - only his way is acceptable and permissible.

So, where do we stand, then? Am I acting and perceiving in a system of self-made strictures or am I following God as laid out in the Bible, in a manner stemming from a genuine faith and relationship with God? One is dead and the other is filled with life.

Now, don't mistake me - theology is good and valid, adding to the understanding of who God is. It's kind of like asking your wife's friends what she might like for a gift - they have added insight you may have missed. So, don't discount the theology for a fluffy, emotionally-driven faith which may be prone to burn out, but don't discount, either, the emotional, relational connection for an empty structure. Both are necessary aspects.

Prayer:

God, allow me to come deeper with you. Help me to understand better emotionally and mentally, to build those connections, that I may come to a greater relationship with you.

Help me, also, to implement those in my day-to-day relationships with my wife, classmates, and other peers.

Keep me from drifting into a space of code-driven legalism or of mindless emotion, but instead bring me to a coherent whole within you.

Amen