Being shaped for Gods service

Being shaped for God’s service

s-Romans 5 NASB

2through whom also we have obtained our introduction by faith into this grace in which we stand; and we exult in hope of the glory of God. 3And not only this, but we also exult in our tribulations, knowing that tribulation brings about perseverance; 4and perseverance, proven character; and proven character, hope; 5and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us.

Romans 6

28And we know that God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to those who are called according to His purpose.

Romans 12

Dedicated Service

1Therefore I urge you, brethren, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies a living and holy sacrifice, acceptable to God, which is your spiritual service of worship. 2And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.

O -  Pauls message to the Romans is complete,  first not to complain in your trials because it helps build you to be the faith driven Christian God is calling you to.   And those God is calling it is for a purpose that He has designed for you and this should give you great joy knowing you are working with rather than against God will.  And lastly through all these trials and in God’s plan,  allow your mind to be renewed or changed because His ways are better than our ways, and through these trials He is helping you to become someone who is able to go reach the world with the good news of His grace and love.

A-  The three verses to me reveal a journey God has had me on,  there is nothing new an revolutionary about it, but it is a reminder that is necessary as a reflect on trials to make sure I recognize He is still shaping me and my heart.   It has caused me to grow in patient endurance and love through all circumstances.

P - Dear Heavenly Father thank you for your leadership and revelation in my life.  The trials I have experienced I needed to become the father, leader, and Christian you are calling me to.  I pray Lord you help these valuable lessons would shape my heart to live, love and lead in the future.  In the quiet moments when I doubt I pray you would give me confidence in your preparation of my life.   I pray all this in Jesus name, amen.

Enter into life

Enter into life

S-Matt 19 NASB

16And someone came to Him and said, “Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may obtain eternal life?” 17And He said to him, “Why are you asking Me about what is good? There is only One who is good; but if you wish to enter into life, keep the commandments.” 18Then he *said to Him, “Which ones?” And Jesus said, “YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT MURDER; YOU SHALL NOT COMMIT ADULTERY; YOU SHALL NOT STEAL; YOU SHALL NOT BEAR FALSE WITNESS; 19HONOR YOUR FATHER AND MOTHER; and YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.” 20The young man *said to Him, “All these things I have kept; what am I still lacking?” 21Jesus said to him, “If you wish to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me.” 22But when the young man heard this statement, he went away grieving; for he was one who owned much property. 23And Jesus said to His disciples, “Truly I say to you, it is hard for a rich man to enter the kingdom of heaven. 24“Again I say to you, it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” 25When the disciples heard this, they were very astonished and said, “Then who can be saved?” 26And looking at them Jesus said to them, “With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”

O- There is a lot here to to unpack as a person just like me came to Jesus, he had been listening to and likely following Jesus’ ministry from afar.   He gathered the courage to ask Jesus what is there that he should do to earn eternal life.   “What good thing..”.   Was the precise thing that caused Jesus to react for he knew there was no act that earns eternal life, but living within God’s laws is the good thing that gives you good life,  following Christ is what gives you eternal life.   Both are then and today.

A-    The application convicts me and is a reminder that I am not to seek good works to earn eternal life, but I am to follow God’s word because it is the key to a good life.   I am to follow Christ because he saved me, and have shown me love and mercy.  Out of this my broken heart has been healed and I know have the capability to love those he has put in front of me.  I am reminded today that I have been saved to serve and love those Christ is trying to reach.  I have to beware the stumbling block of the rich man, that my wealth and treasures on earth might not get in the way of my following Christ.

P-  Lord I thank your for your word and your reminder, that as I sit here very comfortably in your provision that you have a mission for me.  Lord I am sorry if in anyway money or things have gotten in the way of me following you.  I pray that you help me in my impatience to understand what I am to do with this gift of time and abundance.  I pray all this in Jesus name.  

Judging Others

S - Matt 7

Judging Others

1“Do not judge so that you will not be judged. 2“For in the way you judge, you will be judged; and by your standard of measure, it will be measured to you. 3“Why do you look at the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? 4“Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ and behold, the log is in your own eye? 5“You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.

O - Jesus is teaching this principle of judgement to His disciples, and was certainly talking about the Jewish leaders as well, and most importantly was delivering it to all of us.   Starting with His disciples, Jesus knew he would send them, and that they were to reach the lost and the sinners. How impossible would they be to reach if your heart and mind were constantly judging them.   Extreme emphatic and yet righteousness is required to reach the lost.  Jesus needed his disciples to reflect on themselves so that they might understand what it means to fall short, i.e., we all have flaws and sins that we have lived with if then we find someone who sins more than us or more severely than us, does that then allow us to become their judge... absolutely not,  it should make us emphatically with them,  pray for them,  what to see them free from their sins.

A - I know I felt convicted to write about this today because I often have a suspicious attitude towards those I feel might not be on my side of things.  I see people doing things that are wrong, and I want to help them make them right.    I recognize now that so frequently I am wrong about people’s motives and circumstances, and especially their feelings, that I spend a lot of time judging them.  I am convicted by the words of Jesus because I know how bad I feel when I am being judged and yet I would not want to be judged like I am judging others.    I am not yet sure what the answer is other than pray the Lord would remove the log from my eye so that I might accurately see others as God see’s them,  imperfect but still His creation, redeemable and loved.

P - Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for today’s lesson, may it be sealed to my heart.  I pray that you would help me to see people as you see them.  Help me to focus on my own sins that I need to repent for and deal with so I might see the good in people and love them the way you do.  I pray all these things in Jesus name, Amen.

Exhortation to support the work of the saints

Exhortation to support the work of the saints

S-2Cor 8 NASB

3For I testify that according to their ability, and beyond their ability, they gave of their own accord, 4begging us with much urging for the favor of participation in the support of the saints, 5and this, not as we had expected, but they first gave themselves to the Lord and to us by the will of God. 6So we urged Titus that as he had previously made a beginning, so he would also complete in you this gracious work as well.

3For I testify that according to their ability, and beyond their ability, they gave of their own accord, 4begging us with much urging for the favor of participation in the support of the saints, 5and this, not as we had expected, but they first gave themselves to the Lord and to us by the will of God. 6So we urged Titus that as he had previously made a beginning, so he would also complete in you this gracious work as well. 7But just as you abound in everything, in faith and utterance and knowledge and in all earnestness and in the love we inspired in you, see that you abound in this gracious work also.

O - Paul’s exhortation to the Corinthians is to follow the other church’s examples who give and serve beyond what is comfortable, and that they do not give to receive but so that others will receive.  Paul’s ministry is funded not by the church’s which he is at but church’s which is has come from.   When those church’s become engulfed in the mission of the church at large they do not look at their personal circumstances but rather that of the saints in Jerusalem that are fighting the good fight at establishing the church and to those places that are yet to be reached with the Gospel.   This take real work and sacrifice.  Paul is exhorting the Corinthians to reflect on this.

A - The application for me is that I am convicted that in in my work in my life and challenges I have faced in this past season I have once again focused too much on me an forgot my compulsion to support the saints that are doing the work of the ministry.  I must once again look to provide the tithes to the local church at the tithe that I know I owe, not out of compulsion but out of God’s provision in my life.   I also must look to serve, and not just at work.  There is so much there at work but it is not all that I am called to serve.  I am called to serve my wife and children.  I feel good about where I am with service at work and at home but need to begin giving out of God’s abundance to support my extended family and the local church.  I must seek to see what God would have me do, and be satisfied with my role in this season.

P -  Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for your service to me and my family.  I know that you have been with us through this last season, and that you are preparing us for a new season.  Lord I pray for forgiveness as I have again become self centered and protective of my time and money.  I pray that you would guide me on where I can give out of the abundance you have provided to me.  I pray all this in Jesus name, Amen.

Led by the spirit, not by my flesh

Led by the Spirit not by the flesh

S- Galatians 5 NASB

16But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the flesh. 17For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another, so that you may not do the things that you please. 18But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under the Law. 19Now the deeds of the flesh are evident, which are: immorality, impurity, sensuality, 20idolatry, sorcery, enmities, strife, jealousy, outbursts of anger, disputes, dissensions, factions, 21envying, drunkenness, carousing, and things like these, of which I forewarn you, just as I have forewarned you, that those who practice such things will not inherit the kingdom of God. 22But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, 23gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law. 24Now those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the flesh with its passions and desires.

O -  Paul is speaking to the church at Galatia who is finding themselves being drawn back to the Jewish tradition of circumcision and the law.  He knows that the way of the law is one in which man has fallen short of being able to within his own flesh stay obedient to the covenant that circumcision represents.  But there is a new covenant with Christ, one that doesn’t rely on man but instead relies on God’s grace and Christ’s redemption and substitution for our sin.  The lesson is that we are not to live by our own flesh but  by the Spirit of God that is in us.   It is what will enable us to resist the immorality that our flesh often desires.  The spirit of God in us will allow us to despite external circumstances to response with fruit of the spirit,  love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control.

A -  The application for me is to remember to stay in tune with the Holy Spirit in me and know that my reactions should be led by this spirit, and not my flesh.   I know that this will be my challenge as situations become stressful at home or at work,  but I am committed to dig deep inside and seek the Lord’s spirit in me,  to delay the response of my flesh, and allow the Holy Spirit to guide me.  

P -  Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for this reminder to continue to allow your Holy Spirit to speak to me and guide my hands, heart, and mind.   I pray Lord that you help me to stay open to hearing your spirit, and avoid the inclines of my flesh.  I pray all this in Jesus name, Amen.

Seek the favor of God, not man

Seek the favor of God, not the favor of man

S - Galatians 1 NASB

10For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ.

Paul Defends His Ministry

O-        Paul writes this to the church at Galatia as he is calling them out that they have received the one true Gospel of Christ, and that he is about to rebuke them for departing from the true gospel for one that is reshaped by men’s thoughts.   Later on in this chapter Paul explains that He received the Gospel through revelation and not through man,  and that over the years he has fought to keep the Gospel pure, not influenced by the old Jewish  traditions, or man’s desires.  In his early years in the faith he did not even confer with the Apostles for many years but simply the truth of what Christ revealed to him.   I imagine Paul’s experience on the road to Damascus had a lifetime of impact.  When Christ met him and revealed to him the truth of the Gospel he revealed to him many truths of the kingdom of God that brought great clarity to Paul.  Some might say that his revelations in that time was even greater than that of the Apostles who walked 3 years with Jesus.   While their experience of who Jesus was on earth, and their practical understanding of the ministry was powerful,  Paul’s understanding of the scripture, followed by his revelation of Christ was significant as it came to reaching the entire world (Gentiles) with the Gospel.  

A -  This scripture impressed on me the fragility of my own faith and commitment to the Gospel.  I am just as easily influenced by men over time as the church at Galatia may have been.  In the season of this last year I have made it through a trial period in which I have personally grown as a leader but may have regressed as a follower of Christ.  I find myself on the other end thinking about the pleasing of men in my career and worrying about their thoughts as I think about my future.  I am reminded I have given my life to Christ as a servant of the God.   I need only to submit to Him, and trust in his direction to me.

P - Dear Heavenly Father thank you for this lesson and reminder today.  I am sorry I have wasted so much time worrying about what others think or even what I think about my reputation or my future.  I submit myself to you for you to use for your purposes.   I pray that you continue to give me an opportunity to lead in the Navy and shipyard business, and that if it your will that I one day lead Pearl Harbor Naval Shipyard, that you guide me an prepare me to do so in a way that honors you, and serves the people in the shipyard and in Hawaii. 

Allow Jesus to soften your hardened heart

Allow Jesus to soften your hardened heart 

S- Mark 6 NIV

47 Later that night, the boat was in the middle of the lake, and he was alone on land.   48 He saw the disciples straining at the oars, because the wind was against them. Shortly before dawn he went out to them, walking on the lake. He was about to pass by them,   49 but when they saw him walking on the lake, they thought he was a ghost. They cried out,   50 because they all saw him and were terrified.Immediately he spoke to them and said, “Take courage! It is I. Don’t be afraid.”51 Then he climbed into the boat with them, and the wind died down. They were completely amazed,   52 for they had not understood about the loaves; their hearts were hardened.

O - How often have I been afraid, and allowed myself to forget who I am walking with.   The disciples here have experienced various miracles,  Jesus healing the sick,  raising the dead, and feeding the five thousand.   Not long after feeding the five thousand Jesus came to them on the lake , walking on water , they were afraid and the scripture says is is be they had not understood about how Jesus had fed so many with a few loaves of bread and a couple of fish.  It goes on to say their hearts were hardened. 

A - The application for me is to understand that I can allow my heart to be hardened in life.  I need to allow Jesus to heal and soften my heart so I can understand who He really is, and where my hope resides.   Fearful moments and circumstances will come,  but Jesus has already overcome evil in this world, and is able to get me through my circumstances,  resisting evil, and shining His light into the world. 

P - Dear Heavenly Father, thank your for your inspiration and for softening my heart.  I have been on a break from writing my devotions, and am excited to get back to this daily habit that opens my heart and mind to your word and your spirit.  Lord help me hear and understand, and walk in peace knowing you are with me.  I pray all this in Jesus name, amen. 

Shine my light to all the world

Shine my light to all people 

S-Isaiah 49 NIV

6 he says:“It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob    and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.”

O-  God is speaking to the Israel through Isaiah.  They have been exile to Babylon and and a remnant of them remain in Jerusalem.  He will bring them back and restore them,  through Christ he will redeem them.  His plan is not just to restore the tribes of Israel but to redeem the gentiles as well so that all people will have hope in their salvation through the sacrifice of one, Jesus Christ.   

A - The application for me is to recognize that I am light to the world and that God wishes to safe all of his creation.   At work, at home, with my friends and family, I am to be a light.   My struggle comes at times when I allow how I am feeling determine if I shine my light.  During times of great stress and challenge, I am motivated and built to naturally shine my light.  My challenge lies in times of quite and rest during these seasons in between.   The summer has provided great rest and respite, but I find my moods and emotions not being where I wish I was when I was charging forward.   I know the answer lies in the daily sitting at the Lords feet and asking him to show me where he wants me to shine my light and then taking the talents he has given me and the strength he has provided and go forth and preach the Gospel to all nations.

P - Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for today’s lesson may it be sealed to my heart.  Lord help me understood who and where I am to shine my light today.   I pray all this in Jesus name, Amen.

Love and serve one another

Love and serve one another 

S-1 Peter 4 NIV

7 The end of all things is near. Therefore be alert and of sober mind so that you may pray.   8 Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins.  9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 10 Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.   11 If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

O- For context we know this is a letter from Peter to the local church, likely in Jerusalem.    His reason for writing was to encourage and correct behaviors that were likely rising up in the local church as conflict between members of the church occurred as they faced the trials of being the local church.  His encouragement was to remind them to keep a sober mind and be ready to pray because that is there spiritual weapon and defense against outside forces.  He then turns inward to say their highest principle to live by is to love one another deeply because this will cover whatever internal sins remain or pop up.  Seek to humbly serve one another so that you may support one another using the gifts God has given you.   When you serve,  serve with the all the strength and skill God gives you so that you can give Him all the glory and remain a humble of God’s strength, love, and grace.

A -  The application for me is to recognize that the end is near, and my time to pray, love and serve is now.   As a member of the body of Christ I must serve those in the church who are serving.  I must do so with a deep love and hospitality so that they might be encouraged and strengthened to continue their part in the body of Christ.     I have received the the gift of teaching and leadership and need to continue to use these gifts to love, teach and serve those God has placed in front of me.   

P - Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for today’s lesson may it be sealed to my heart.  Lord I pray that you help me to serve Chris Bryant in his search for a job at the shipyard.  I pray for wisdom and discernment for the words and actions that will help Him be aligned to your will for his life.   I pray all this in Jesus Christ name, Amen. 

Place my hope in the Lord

 Place my hope in the Lord

S- Isaiah 40 NIV

 30 Even youths grow tired and weary,    and young men stumble and fall; 31 but those who hope in the Lord    will renew their strength.They will soar on wings like eagles;they will run and not grow weary,    they will walk and not be faint.

O- Isaiah. Is telling this to Israel who is about to be sent into exile.  This is for the remnant that will struggle to maintain their hope in the Lord.  Even youthful vigor will not be enough on its own to maintain their strength.  But Isaiah leads them back to the source of their strength, the Lord our God.

A- in this season I find myself growing weary and no longer is my youthful vigor there to bail me out.  Today’s word encourages me to place my hope in the Lord and know he will renew my strength and when it’s time to run I will not grow weary.  

P - Dear Heavenly Father thank you for today’s lesson may it be sealed to my heart. Lord I pray for my mother in law Annelyn that you would be with her and help here to not grow weary but uplift her on wings of Eagles.  I pray all this in Jesus name, Amen.

Guarding against the hubris of success and position

Guarding against the hubris of success and position 

S- 2 Chron 26 NIV

3 Uzziah was sixteen years old when he became king, and he reigned in Jerusalem fifty-two years. His mother’s name was Jekoliah; she was from Jerusalem.   4 He did what was right in the eyes of the Lord, just as his father Amaziah had done.   5 He sought God during the days of Zechariah, who instructed him in the fear of God. As long as he sought the Lord, God gave him success.

 16 But after Uzziah became powerful, his pride led to his downfall. He was unfaithful to the Lord his God, and entered the temple of the Lord to burn incense on the altar of incense.   17 Azariah the priest with eighty other courageous priests of the Lord followed him in.   18 They confronted King Uzziah and said, “It is not right for you, Uzziah, to burn incense to the Lord. That is for the priests,the descendants of Aaron,who have been consecrated to burn incense. Leave the sanctuary, for you have been unfaithful; and you will not be honored by the Lord God.” 

O- Uzziah was not a bad King,  he was simply human.    Time and again we see God’s leaders start off right and not finish well.   From Moses to David and from David to up to Jesus,  many sought to lead the Lord’s people well and sought the Lords’ guidance and direction in their daily roles as leader.  They all fell though,  and Uzziah was no different.   Once he became powerful, pride or “hubris” became his downfall.   

A-  The lessons from this are significant to me, as the Lord has given me people to lead.  He expects me to steward this authority well.    I though and no better than Moses, David, or any of the Kings we read about in the Bible.  I am vulnerable to allowing arrogance swell up and my own position or success cause me to become unfaithful.   So what can I do.   I am not exactly sure other than seek God on this matter.  From this passage of scripture in verse 5 we see a part of the answer:

1. Seek God - in all decisions you are making he will not let your arrogance get in the way of making good decisions.
2. Fear God -   Not sure what comes first,  but out of a healthy fear of the Lord I will always want to seek the Lord for his direction.
3. Put a trusted prophet or priest as your advisor at all times.    While prophets and priests can’t bear the burden of leadership,  they stand as those who are constantly seeking and hearing the Lord, and a good one will be willing to share with you the truth of what God is saying about a situation.

P -  Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for today’s lesson,may it be sealed to my heart.  I pray Lord that you would guide me in every decision I make, and make known to me the prophets you have placed in my life.   I pray Lord that you would continue to guide and anoint me as a leader over your people and those you are calling to you.  I pray for protection from the Hubris that comes from success and positional authorities you have given me.  May I always fear you and seek you.   I pray all this in Jesus name, Amen. 

Godliness and contentment

Godliness and Contentment 

S- 1 Tim 6 NIV

6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 7 For we brought nothing into the world, and we can take nothing out of it. 8 But if we have food and clothing, we will be content with that. 9 Those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a trap and into many foolish and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction.   10 For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evil. Some people, eager for money, have wandered from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs.

O - This is Paul’s reminder to Timothy who he sent to a church (Ephesus I believe) to help them stay on track in their faith.  The young church, who likely received the Gospel with great joy was now in that period where the adrenaline of being saved begins to fade and the worries and wants of the world begin to draw you away from godliness and contentment.   He is instructing Timothy for himself as well as for those he is shepherding to be reminded how little we need, simply food and clothing and to learn contentment in all things, and to focus on the attributes of godliness and joy will be their’s.

A -  The application to me is to remind myself of this contentment.  My current circumstance has me abundantly supplied with food and clothing and shelter.  My work is very challenging and rewarding.    All seems to be falling into place for a season of peace and prosperity and I fully intend to enjoy this gift from God.  I however and keenly aware of the seasonal nature of this world, and that God has not called me to be a settler here.  So I must be content and focus on godly responses to my circumstances.   I cannot allow my circumstances to dictate my contentment or my responses.

P - Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for today’s opportunity to reflect on all that you have done and are doing in my life.  I am content in you.  I pray that your spirit would guide me in godliness, and that I would continue to shine your light into this world.  In Jesus name I pray, Amen.

Rejoice in the Lord, always

 Rejoice in the Lord ALWAYS!

S- Final Exhortations4 Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice! 5 Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near. 6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.   7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.   8 Finally, brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—think about such things.   9 Whatever you have learned or received or heard from me, or seen in me—put it into practice. And the God of peace will be with you. 

O -  Paul’s word to the Phillipians came from a place of wisdom and revelation.     In comparison to Solomon Paul may not had been as wise, but because of his revelation of Jesus Christ and the kingdom of heaven,  he was strong in revelation.    Solomon got wisdom early and lived a great and abundant life but in the end was melancholy and depressed.  Paul was just the opposite, he  struggled in his early years, and even when Christ stopped Him on the road to Damascus,  his life changed, but he struggled still for many years as he boldly preached the Gospel and was persecuted for it.   But toward the end,  while in prison,  he wrote to the church’s he planted to rejoice in the Lord,  let it be all joy, be gentle to all.    He said we can do that because the Lord is near (revelation).   We are not to worry , but rather we are to pray, because god will give us peace and understanding.      We should spend our time not focusing on the negative circumstances that surround us,  but rather on what is good, excellent and true.

A-  The application for me is recognize how blessed I am to have both the wisdom of Solomon and revelation of Paul at my fingertips at all times.   Even more so the revelation of Jesus Christ and the good news of the Gospel,  and now I have the Holy Spirit in me to guide me.   With all this I can and should rejoice in the Lord always!   I need not be anxious about anything, but just look around me at all that God is doing and has done.

P -  Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for today’s lesson, may it be sealed to my heart.   

Be happy in what you are doing today

Be happy in todays activities

S- Eccl 3 NASB

17 I said to myself, "God will judge both the righteous man and the wicked man," for a time for every matter and for every deed is there.

18 I said to myself concerning the sons of men, "God has surely tested them in order for them to see that they are but beasts."

19 For the fate of the sons of men and the fate of beasts is the same. As one dies so dies the other; indeed, they all have the same breath and there is no advantage for man over beast, for all is vanity.

20 All go to the same place. All came from the dust and all return to the dust.

21 Who knows that the breath of man ascends upward and the breath of the beast descends downward to the earth?

22 I have seen that nothing is better than that man should be happy in his activities, for that is his lot. For who will bring him to see what will occur after him?

O -  Solomon’s reflections in Ecclesiastes comes from a place of having been the wise man of all time, who lived in a time of peace,  and had great wealth.  He explored wisdom, vanity, excess and even folly and sin.   Even though he sinned against God,  his wisdom never left him, so as he sits here in his later years we see the reflection which is the conclusion we all need to understand, and if we are wise we don’t wait until we are in our late years to heed these wise words.   Solomon’s bottom line is this - only God knows if you are chosen and will spend eternity with him in heaven.  This is just one of the fates that is possible for us.  The second described here is that we are like the animals of the earth who are created from the earth and return to dust upon their death.   Solomon then goes on to conclude in all his experiences and with all his wisdom he has seen nothing better than the man who is happy with what he is doing that day for that is where God has him and that is enough. 

A -  The application for me is to seek to be joyful in each day the Lord is given me, and to recognize that each day is enough for me to worry about.  All other energy is not necessarily wise.   I recognize the battle is with my flesh and my pride.  I like to think I am strategic and discerning, but when I review my record I am reminded that the Lords ways are better than my ways, and that I really couldn’t have planned my way to the life God has given me.   

P -  Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for your patience with me as I grow in wisdom the hard way.  I thank you for the gift of Solomon’s inspired word, and that it would was over me and change my perspective.  Lord I pray that today you show me what it is to do, and who to interact with and I pray that in all things you would be glorified.   I pray all this in Jesus name, Amen.

Commit you plans to the Lord

Commit your plans to the Lord

S- Proverbs 16 NASB

1 The plans of the heart belong to man, But the answer of the tongue is from the LORD.

2 All the ways of a man are clean in his own sight, But the LORD weighs the motives.

3 Commit your works to the LORD And your plans will be established.

O -  These proverbs are from the Lord, given to Solomon the wisest man for all time,  and tell us more about our character and God’s design for us.   Because of sin we often will fall short of living by these proverbs, heck even Solomon fell short of following his own advice.  I am reminded that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of all wisdom because without a healthy respect that God will hold us accountable for what we know the right thing is now that he has revealed it.   That fear of being disciplined and corrected most of the the time is enough for me to give pause prior to acting.  In the case of these three connected proverbs I am reminded I have plans in my heart but they should not guide my words if the plans are not from the Lord (my plans are sometime selfish and more like wishes).  What comes out of my mouth needs to be from the Lord otherwise it is not true and causes me and others to stumble.   I of course act in a manner I believe to be right and even believe to be righteous, but I am too fall short in these areas as my motives are sometimes coming from a place of hurt and bitterness and with a desire for revenge.     In the end my work is important to me and I make my own plans and then ask God to bless it vice committing my job and efforts to the Lord and allowing Him then to establish my plan. 

A -  The application for me is to recognize that I must commit my life, actions, words, and job to the Lord as the starting point.  If I do this with all my heart, mind, and soul, he will guide my words, motives, actions each and everyday and I will be able to glorify him in all the things I do.   So easily written,  not so easily lived.  Despite that I am excited and encourage to give this my full effort.  

P -  Dear Heavenly Father, thank you for todays lesson, may it be sealed to my heart.  I pray Lord you would forgive me my transgressions and arrogance as I have made plans that I have not committed to you.  I do that now, lay down my life and ask that you would establish my plans, guide my words, and actions.    I desire to be your light in this world full of darkness.   I pray all this in Jesus Christ name, Amen.

The house of the Lord dwells in my heart

The house of the Lord dwells in my heart

S -  2 Chron 7 (NASB)

12 ¶ Then the LORD appeared to Solomon at night and said to him, "I have heard your prayer and have chosen this place for Myself as a house of sacrifice.

13 "If I shut up the heavens so that there is no rain, or if I command the locust to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among My people,

14 and My people fnwho are called by My name humble themselves and pray and seek My face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land.

15 "Now My eyes will be open and My ears attentive to the fnprayer offered in this place.

16 "For now I have chosen and consecrated this house that My name may be there forever, and My eyes and My heart will be there perpetually.

O -  The temple that Solomon built was intended to be the closest representation of the heaven on earth, and would be the dwelling place of the Lord.  God gave Moses a plan for a mobile temple, and promised him a permanent home in the promised land.  Moses faithfully followed the instructions, but made a few errors a long the way and never got to make it completely to the promised land.   The leaders that followed up to David, stumbled in many and varied ways to provide a home for the Lord.   Eventually David, a man after God’s own heart became a King to lead Israel who had rejected God alone as King.  David through war was able to claim his throne and lead his people.  The Lord told David because of the killing he did and even his sin, David wouldn’t build the temple, but his son Solomon would... and he did.  Solomon sought wisdom from the Lord to lead God’s people and it was granted to him, and when he finished building the temple the Lord was pleased and once again dwelled in it amongst his people.    The Lord though knows mans heart,  that even those called by name to be God’s people would once again sin, but “if they would humble themselves and pray, and seek God’s face, and turn from their wicked ways , he would forgive their  sins and heal their land.   He would entire the temple they prepared and be with them forever.  Now this is a foreshadowing of Jesus to come both the first time to lead God’s people back to him (David),  to prepare a temple (in our hearts),  to help reconcile our sin (the sacrifice on the cross).   

A -  The application for me is this, God has His final plan for me and His people whom he has called by name.     I am free and forgiven, because of the sacrifice of Jesus,  and now I get to invite God into my heart,  a temple which He has prepared that he might lead and guide me, and be the Lord of my life.    Even this is still a mere symbol of what more is to come.   When Jesus returns, after a period, there will be a conquering of sin and death, and Heaven will come down to earth and we will literally dwell in the temple with God.  The application for me is to understand I am both David and Solomon,  but sinful by nature, but seeking after God, and needing to humbly repent and allow God’s Holy Spirit to dwell in me, and to guide me.   

P-  Dear Heavenly Father, I do humbly come before you, repenting for my sins of pride and arrogance, and even disobedience.  I pray Lord that you would forgive me and guide my heart, head , and hands as I get to live this life for you now.    I pray today that you provide for my physical, emotional and spiritual needs today as I go before you with a hopeful and humble heart, full of joy at the opportunity to share your love with those I interact with.   I pray all this in Jesus name, Amen.

His ways are better than my ways

Gods ways are better than my ways

S-Psalm 71 NASB

1 ¶ In You, O LORD, I have taken refuge; Let me never be ashamed.

2 In Your righteousness deliver me and rescue me; Incline Your ear to me and save me.

3 Be to me a rock of habitation to which I may continually come; You have given commandment to save me, For You are my rock and my fortress.

4 Rescue me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, Out of the grasp of the wrongdoer and ruthless man,

5 For You are my hope; O Lord GOD, You are my confidence from my youth.

6 By You I have been sustained from my birth; You are He who took me from my mother's womb; My praise is continually of You.

7 ¶ I have become a marvel to many, For You are my strong refuge.

8 My mouth is filled with Your praise And with Your glory all day long.

9 Do not cast me off in the time of old age; Do not forsake me when my strength fails.

10 For my enemies have spoken against me; And those who watch for my life have consulted together,

11 Saying, "God has forsaken him; Pursue and seize him, for there is no one to deliver."

12 ¶ O God, do not be far from me; O my God, hasten to my help!

13 Let those who are adversaries of my soul be ashamed and consumed; Let them be covered with reproach and dishonor, who seek fnto injure me.

14 But as for me, I will hope continually, And will praise You yet more and more.

15 My mouth shall tell of Your righteousness And of Your salvation all day long; For I do not know the fnsum of them.

16 I will come with the mighty deeds of the Lord GOD; I will make mention of Your righteousness, Yours alone.

17 O God, You have taught me from my youth, And I still declare Your wondrous deeds.

18 And even when I am old and gray, O God, do not forsake me, Until I declare Your strength to this generation, Your power to all who are to come.

19 For Your righteousness, O God, reaches to the fnheavens, You who have done great things; O God, who is like You?

20 You who have shown me many troubles and distresses Will revive me again, And will bring me up again from the depths of the earth.

21 May You increase my greatness And turn to comfort me.

22 ¶ I will also praise You with a harp, Even Your truth, O my God; To You I will sing praises with the lyre, O Holy One of Israel.

23 My lips will shout for joy when I sing praises to You; And my soul, which You have redeemed.

24 My tongue also will utter Your righteousness all day long; For they are ashamed, for they are humiliated who seek my hurt.

O-  This is a psalm of David, likely written during a period in which Absalom his son, was chasing after him trying to kill him and take his throne from him.  What we know about David, is he is extremely loyal to his family and extremely loyal to God.  So observing him in this tension between what he knows (God has anointed him King over Israel), and what he feels (great love and responsibility to shepherd his own son).   So once again David cries out to the Lord the only place he knows he can go.

A -  The application for me is that it is not important who is coming against you, their motive, and their truth.  What is important is what God wants you to do in the circumstances.   He has the big picture and He knows when I should go or when I should wait.  He knows when I should speak or when I need to bite my tongue.   His ways are better than my ways.  

P - Dear Lord thank you for cementing into my heart and mind that your ways are better than mine. Help me to remember that I to seek your guidance in all things great and small, but especially in those moments when I am feeling attacked by those around me.  Help me to have a heart like David.   I pray all this in Jesus name, Amen.