Category: Good Life Journal

Journal 1 Tim 1 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

 

Scripture: (Paul speaking) “As I urged you when I was going to Macedonia remain at Ephesus so that you may charge certain persons not to teach any different doctrine nor to devote themselves to myths and endless genealogies, which promote:

• Speculations, rather than the
• Stewardship from God that is by faith.

The aim of our charge is:

• Love that (which) issues from a pure heart, and a
• Good conscience and a
• Sincere faith.

Certain persons, by swerving from these, have wandered away into vain discussion—desiring to be teachers of the law, without understanding either

• What they are saying or
• The things about which they make confident assertions.” (1 Tim 1:3-7)

Observation: Scripture looks different when I reconstruct the paragraph like this. It makes me think with objectives and observations in mind.

 

Application: Everyone wants to be a teacher.

From a fresh recruit to the Kingdom to the old plodder in faith, speaking our mind with authority is there.

Newbies have energy and opinions, some facts and lots of vision.

Old guys look back with wisdom gained by experience and dream dreams.

Scripture supports this analysis by saying: “And it shall come to pass afterward that I will pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions.” (Joel 2:28-29)

What do I plainly see from Paul’s communication to Timothy?

1. What should be focused upon and embraced?

Pure hearted love, a good (not compromised) conscience and a sincere faith

Where would a compromised conscience, love, and faith come from? Simon the magician from the account in Acts 8 comes to mind:

• “But there was a man named Simon, who…amazed the people of Samaria…They all paid attention to him because for a long time he had amazed him with his magic…

Now when Simon saw that the Spirit was given through the laying on of the apostles’ hands, he offered them money (to get the same power)…(excerpts from Acts 8:9-19)

Also: “Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people IN ORDER TO BE SEEN by them…” (Matt 6:1)

It can be inferred that compromise can some from vanity—wanting to be “somebody” of note.

2. What should be avoided?

Speculations, guesses, and imaginations without rigid references AND these speculations, et.al. presented authoritatively as fact.

Jesus warned believers plainly:

• “Beware of false prophets…(Matt 7:15)
• “For many will come in my name, saying, “I am the Christ’, and they will lead many astray…: (Matt 24:5)

Paul did the same:

• “If anyone teaches a different doctrine and does not agree with the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching that accords with godliness, he is puffed up with conceit and understands nothing. He has an unhealthy craving for controversy and for quarrels about words…imagining that godliness is a means of gain.” (1 Tim 6:3-5)
• “For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths…” (2 Tim 4:3-4)
• “For among them are (men) who creep into households…always “learning” and never able to arrive at a knowledge of the truth…opposed (to) the truth, men corrupted in mind and disqualified regarding the faith…” (summarized excerpts from 2 Tim 4:6-8)

 There is a reason and good example of solid foundations that Lord Jesus did this: “It is written…” This preface shows study and solid doctrine.

Prayer: Father, even now I am apprehensive of going out on a limb, biblically speaking. Many ideas and concepts I think You have dropped into my heart and mind is taking me years to integrate from Your word.

As the years go by, I strain against the bit and simultaneously learn to relax and be at peace, like with today’s posting. Thank you for ministering me through the night.

Amen.

Ricky two-shoes.

Scripture –

Colossians 4:5-6- Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you have the right response for everyone.

Observation –
Paul here is encouraging Christians in Colosse to be wise when interacting among nonbelievers. We must take advantage of every opportunity share the Good News with those who don’t know Jesus. We must be good stewards of our time and make this a priority. Our speech must be winsome to a non believing world and we must be prepared with the right response to share our eternal hope in Christ.

Application –
We certainly have many opportunities to interact with those who are nonbelievers as there are an increasing number in our country, state and town. We are called to be wise as serpents and gentle as doves. I truly believe there are many we encounter who are fearful and hurting that have a door that is cracked to share the gospel. Am I intentional and do I take advantage of every opportunity to share the Good News? In order to do so I have to be prepared and winsome as opposed to not being ready and bitter. 1 Peter 3:15-16 says, Instead, you must worship Christ as Lord of your Life. And if someone asks about your Christian hope always be prepared to explain it. But do this in a gentle and respectful way. In order to be in a position to witness effectively, I must worship Jesus as Lord of my whole lIfe! Then, I have to study the word and let the Spirit give me wisdom with the right words in the right tone to point someone to Jesus.

Prayer –
Father,
Thank you for the truth in your word and your love and grace in sending Jesus to pay my sin debt so I can know you. Let the Spirit give me wisdom on how act and be prepared to share your Gospel in a winsome way to glorify you.

Journal Col 2 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

 

Scripture:  “For I want you to know how great a struggle I have for you and for those at Laodicea and for all who have not seen me face to face that their hearts may be encouraged (being knit together in love) to reach all the riches of full assurance of understanding and the knowledge of God’s mystery which is Christ (in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge).

 

I say this in order that no one may delude you with plausible arguments.  For though I am absent in body yet I am with you in spirit—rejoicing to see your good order and the firmness of your faith in Christ.

 

Therefore, as you have received Christ Jesus as Lord, so walk in Him: rooted and built up in Him, and established in the faith (just as you were taught), abounding in thanksgiving.  See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit (according to human tradition/according to the elemental spirits of the world) and not according to Christ.”  Col 2:1-8

 

Observation:   It appears that Paul continues his way with the churches by pointing to opposition to the Gospel: recognize the false way and; embrace the doctrine of the Gospel—it is richer than we can imagine.

 

Application:  I wonder how it is that I get snuck up upon.

 

I think that I have this old world figured out against the Gospel and then….I find a sneaky tentacle wrapped around my heart and mind.  Was this always there or was it gone and found its way back?  Did it just get suppressed and went dormant waiting for a time when it could grow in somewhat fertile ground?  (Note to the side: I probably need to remember that for something to grow it needs fertile conditions, whether fruit of the flesh or of the spirit.  What do I habitually cultivate?)

 

Planting sound doctrine isn’t easy.  Paul struggled on the behalf of the church at Philippi and Laodicea concerning planting sound doctrine.  He saw or was reported to be concerned with “plausible arguments” occurring at these churches.

 

“See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit…”  What philosophy?  Does it have a name?  I don’t know.  What is meant by “empty deceit?”  I don’t know that one, either.  My guess is that either one is probably related to moving away from the simplicity of my sin that Jesus atoned for to something that calls for me to add to Jesus’ work by some kind of self-atonement.  (This can be etched out in an equation: Jesus’s atonement plus my work of self-atonement equals an assured acceptance by God versus Jesus’ atonement plus nothing equals an assured acceptance by God when it is acknowledged and acted upon in faith.  First one is false, the second is true.)

 

I was doing devotions with my wife this morning.  As is my conviction, I practiced transparency with my struggles—yep, I told her I had struggles and what they were.  I applaud her for her patience with me because it was an effort to get a coherent sentence out of my mouth.  The conflict within is tremendous.

 

This is where being rooted and built up in Christ, in the doctrine of the Gospel (and indeed all the various doctrines) is valuable.  Without these foundations to draw upon, to be rooted in, I would be a perfect example of Dorothy spinning up in the tornado (The Wizard of Oz, Baum).  If I let or expose myself to be drawn by the forces of delusion….well, phooey—I don’t want that.

 

Given the options, I would rather be found rooted and grounded in Christ.  That takes effort and intention, not only in my pursuit of the presence of God, the embrace of His Word, but also in the activities found in biblical friendship and fellowship.

 

Prayer:    Hi there, Father.  Thank You for calling me, drawing me, choosing me when all I wanted to do was to resist You.  You enlivened my heart to the Gospel and nothing has ever been the same.  Thank You for Your promise to complete a good work in me—I don’t deserve this and I never will.  Make me a fit tool for Your hand.  Help me to abound in good works; help me to see You everywhere with opened eyes, hearing ears, and a ready, soft heart that You can plant Your word into.  AMEN.

Journal Col 1 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

 

Scripture:   “He is the image of the invisible God—the firstborn of all creation.

 

For by Him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through Him and for Him.  And…

 

• He is before all things and in Him all things hold together.
• He is the head of the body, the church.
• He is the beginning, the first born from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent.

 

For in Him the fullness of God was pleased to dwell and through Him to reconcile to Himself all things (whether on earth or in heaven), making peace by the Blood of his Cross.”  (Col 1:15-20)

 

Observation:   What is it about unpacking the Gospel that brings so much light?   Why are the details of the Gospel important?  Why should I know about this?  Why, it is simple…

 

If I want to grow, I need to know.

 

Application:   What is it about Jesus that makes Him special?

 

Uhhh, He is the Son?  Well, yeah…but what else?

 

Paul is very good in his letters to give a peek into the background of the Trinitarian God (Trinity: Father, Son, Holy Ghost—1 God, 3 persons; it’s a mystery I know.  Another day, another posting…).   In the letter to Colossians Paul talks about the enormity of the Christ—more stuff than I could ever wrap my punkin’ heads around:

 

• Jesus created everything—heaven and earth, seen and unseen—nothing exists that He did not create.
• Why was it created?  For Him, to be his personal possession.  He is Creator, everything else is subordinate to Him.
• Even in human form, the fullness of God dwells.  He is no less God for taking on the clay/flesh of Man.
• God and clay/flesh: Needed to reconcile all current things to Himself, making peace, by the Blood.

 

This, with other references, reminds me again that Jesus (fully God and fully man) was the only One to be the perfect Sacrifice for Sin.  God is Holy.  Man is as fully not-holy as God is Holy.  Blood covers sin.  Why blood?  Don’t know—God set it up that way starting with Eden and through the Priestly sacrifice convention.

 

Animals and such were only good temporarily—the Priests had to constantly sacrifice, day after day, week, month, and year.  And there were many generations of priests, to be trained and consecrated to continue sacrificing.

What was needed was a Perfect sacrifice.  Only issue with that?  Only God is perfect.  And what needed to be the sacrifice for Man?  A Man—a Perfect Man.  Isn’t going to happen from the offspring of Adam.  So, God bypassed Adam and Mary was with child from on High—His name is Jesus.

 

He is why I am redeemed.  And that from before time began.  Astounding!!  Incomprehensible!!  It is something that will take all my days to inquire of and I still won’t understand.

 

Prayer:   Lord God, it is astounding that You conceived such a Plan as this.  No one could have done this, much less executed it.  Angels are eternally puzzled.  Man’s mind is clouded until You blow the clouds away.  Thank You for opening my eyes and keeping them open.  I don’t deserve this Grace.  AMEN.

Journal Phil 4 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: “I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord.  Yes, I ask you also, true companion, help these women who have labored side by side with me in the Gospel together with Clement and the rest of my fellow workers (whose names are in the book of life).

 

Rejoice in the Lord always…” Phil 4:2-4a

 

Observation:  Real life in the local church: what do I think this “disagreement” was about?

Analysis:  Church life is messy.

If I think about all the letters of Paul to the various local churches, and take all the “bible candy” out, I am left with a not so favorable view of Christian churches the way Paul evaluated these local churches.

In Philippi, Paul starts with longing to see the good work begun and finished well.  He continues to explain what godliness looks like and exhorts the reader to grasp and take hold of it.  Paul exhorts to abhor self-centeredness and to grasp what biblical servanthood is about.

And then we have him directly addressing two LEADING ladies to stop fighting; leading in the sense that they have visible reputations of laboring in the Gospel.

These leading ladies earned the chops necessary to be called that.  They are examples set by the Holy Spirit to emulate; to imitate (cp Heb 13 for a stretch comparison).  I wonder what they were disagreeing about.

Again, church life is messy.  But, does it have to be?  My thoughts?  It cannot be gotten around for this reason: The Local Church is an instrument of Grace to make Disciples; to knock off the edges of Sin on route to the core; to learn to walk in humility and, particularly, in holiness.  A group of people called by God for the purpose of?… being sandpaper to each other.

I think of the four Chapters of Philippians and review significant communications:

• And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment so that you may approve what is excellent… (verse 1:9)
• Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit but in humility count others more significant (important) than yourselves.  Let each of you look not only to his own interests but also to the interests of others… (verse 2:3-4)
• Forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus… (verse 3:13-14)
• Whatever is true, honorable, just, pure, lovely, commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about THESE things… (verse 4:8)

Did Paul set up this letter just for Euodia and Syntyche, obliquely addressing their behavior?  I don’t think so, that is not the Holy Spirit’s style.  But, does all of this address their behavior?  Yes, and so many more at Philippi—including me.

Walking in joyful holiness and humility is not easy.  I have so much “me” to brush aside.  It takes an attitude to hate sin and work at not letting sin have a foothold in my heart.

I am laughing at myself, cringing that it took so long to ignore the “Rejoice in the Lord” scripture section that for decades took my attention from Eudy and Cindy and their uppity fighting with each other.  How many have I done the same way with other fellows and forgot all the pointed reminders that the Holy Spirit had Paul write?

Goes to show that there are interesting things in between the “wall hanging” references.

Prayer:  Father, thank you for showing me this today.  With the thoughts that I discussed with my wife this morning I am reminded not to do anything from selfish conceit.  Move me, shape me into the image of your Son, my Lord.

Cause revival.  AMEN

Scripture

 

Vs 1 Finally, rejoice in the Lord. To write the same things to you is no trouble to me and is safe for you.

VS 3 … we … who worship by the Spirit of God and glory in Christ Jesus … put no confidence in the flesh

 

Vs 6 … as to zeal, a persecutor of the church; as to righteousness under the law, blameless.

Vs 7 But whatever gain I had, I counted as loss for the sake of Christ.

VS 8 Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ

 

VS 14 I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.

 

VS 17 …  join in imitating me …

Vs 18 For many walk as enemies of the cross of Christ.

Vs 19 Their end is destruction, their god is their belly, and they glory in their shame, with minds set on earthly things.

 

Observation

 

Paul says, “rejoice in the Lord!” …

There is a repeating of main thoughts to get across … I “write the same things to you”!

Paul really wants his readers to get this … REJOICE! … CELEBRATE! … BE HAPPY!!

 

Yes, there is suffering… Paul has “lost everything!”

But compared to “knowing Christ”, everything else is worthless!

 

Paul was “zealous” for something … his old mission to persecute the church.

Paul was “righteous” in something … his old law to be obedient to.

Paul is now “joyous” in Someone … his Savior to know and pursue relationship with.

 

Paul feels more liberated now in prison than he ever felt roaming freely from town to town.

He now knows the easy yoke of grace!

 

Application

 

Paul, a man who is in prison, and a man who has lost everything the world around him holds up as valuable, tells us,

(Who is “us”? … Those in the faith! Me!)

Paul tells me to “rejoice!!”

How? Or more importantly “Why?” … Because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ!

 

How refreshing this must be to Paul …

To have gone from such zeal for something … the Law … To Someone … Jesus Christ!

A man in prison who clearly feels liberated by the power of righteousness through faith!

 

And suffering now even makes sense … He is in fellowship with Christ, becoming like Him.

 

So, how can I become like him? How can I have this knowledge of surpassing worth?

Through the Spirit of God & the Word of God.

And after telling the Philippians about radical humility of Christ in the last chapter,

Paul can now have the confidence to tell his listeners to live like him … “join in imitating me”!

 

That’s the strange combination of confident humility a Christian can have!

Or is it humble confidence?

 

Paul boldly says mature people think like him … & live according to the pattern he gave them.

Other’s destinies are determined by their stomachs … their cravings … their appetites …

 

So, what appetites do I have? … What cravings am I lead by?

What do I WANT? … What do I deem of WORTH?

 

God gives appetites to want more & more …

Everything in the Garden was “delightful to the eyes … “Taste and see the Lord is good!”

God gives me cravings to eat “daily bread”!

 

But do I imitate Paul? … Do I want more Jesus?

Are my cravings and wants for the “surpassing worth of knowing Christ”? … The Spirit of God!

Or do I just want the same old wants of yesterday?

Are my cravings and wants for His  “daily bread”? … The Word of God!

Or do I just want the same old dreams for tomorrow?

 

The difference will be feeling “self-righteous” and “zealous” or being truly “joyous”!

 

Prayer

 

Thank you, again, Father for your Word

Allow me to feel filled by You

To be satiated by you

And then energized to strain forward to what You have ahead

Lead by the Spirit

In Jesus name,

Amen

 

Journal Phil 2 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: “Do nothing from selfish ambition or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves.  Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.

 

Have this mind among yourselves…though (Jesus) was in the form of God, (He) did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but (He) emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men…(Jesus) humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross….

 

Therefore, my beloved, as you have always obeyed, so now, not only as in my presence but much more in my absence, work out your own salvation with fear and trembling…” excerpts from Phil 2:3-12

 

Observation:  If I were to title this section like Bible editors do, I would call this “Get your head on straight” instead of “Christ’s example of humility.”

Analysis: How difficult is changing a habit?

I have read that if I can do something for 30 days in a row, without fail, I am well on my way of making that “something” a habit.

Let me try that against all forms of selfish expression.  All forms.  For only 30 days.  Guaranteed to lose.  I am, at my core, a selfish creature.

I am not a fatalist.  I am, however, learning that being transformed into the image of the Son, being a Disciple, walking worthy of the Gospel is something I do with a lifetime in mind—not a month, reset my reflexes, and off I go on the path of righteousness without fail.

Let me review humbleness: Being humble is not a bunch of outward actions, although it can look like it, for instance:

• Hang my head.  Nope.
• Being demure.  Nope.
• Being a person that can get run over a lot.  Nope.

Fake humility can look like these things and more.

Real humility isn’t based on a score card; it is based on a mindset, an attitude set like flint on any specific goal.  Biblical humility starts with an understanding where I stand before God without Jesus, and then what it took for God to bridge that gap. (c. Isaiah 59:11-21 for a description of that separation).

Grasping Biblical Humility as an everyday practice is tough.  I think about the reference above: “(Jesus) humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death…”  The line before referenced, “…by taking the form of a servant…”  I find it conceptually easier to embrace humility of being a servant—much more difficult (if at all) think about humility through death.

I think that is why Paul takes humility as a step process:

• Start with thinking and considering others more important than myself.
• not avoiding looking after my own interest but expanding and not neglecting to look after other’s interests as well.

I must start somewhere.  Steady plodding reaps results.

Prayer:  Father, how important is humility?  James says without humility I will never see You.  And how difficult is it to lay aside pride and embrace humility?  Muy difficult, even in the best of situations.

Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit in me seems to be the right cry for my time.  AMEN

Scripture – Philippians 1:27-28

Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel, and not frightened in anything by your opponents.  This is a clear sign to them of their destruction, but of your salvation and that from God.  

Observation –

Paul is writing to encourage the Church of believers at Philippi while he is imprisoned in Rome.  Whether Paul makes it back to Philippi or not, he is urging the Philippians to live out the gospel be standing firm and being united in their faith letting the spirit lead them.  He calls the believers not to be frightened, but rest in their salvation which is from God.

Application – 

These verses that Paul concludes at the end of Philippians 1 are an encouragement and resonate to me.  God sent Jesus to pay the ultimate price with His life so that I can live and be reconciled to have a relationship with God and make Him known.  That is it, my greatest need met, as I place my faith in Jesus and am an adopted son of the King. Am I living my life worthy of the gospel?  I must stand firm in the faith and not give in to fear.  God has given us a Spirit of power and strength.  I know that the enemy will get more aggressive but the there is victory in Christ alone.

We will all stand before a holy God and be accounted for I I don’t want to think I could have done more.

Prayer – 

Father,

Thank you for the truth in your word  and encouragement from the apostle Paul.  Let the power of the Spirit give me strength to live a life worthy of the gospel to extend your glory. 

Journal Ps 119:121-152 (all references are from the ESV unless noted otherwise; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: (The Psalmist) “With my whole heart I cry; answer me, O Lord! I will keep your statutes. I call to you; save me, that I may observe your testimonies.

I rise before dawn and cry for help; I hope in your words. My eyes are awake before the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promise.” Ps 119:145-148

Observation: It appears that the Psalmist is pretty stirred up with the intention to seek God.

 

Am I as stirred up?

 

Analysis: If I look in Psalms, I will experience this: “I like this; I like that; I don’t understand what he is saying here or there; that is too dark; I want to read something light, enjoyable, and uplifting…”

In other words, I will cherry-pick according to my momentary desires. I might want to call it “being led by the Spirit”, and so it might be. I am certainly not saying otherwise.

But I know from my own experience that I may be confronted with a challenging section of Scripture, and…I slide right over so that I don’t dwell and develop a pesky condition called “conviction.”

It is happening right here.

The first simple challenge is waking up early—consistently; greeting the dawn! The Psalmist is pretty stoked on this challenge and shouts to himself. Make no mistake, the Psalmist is trying to pump himself up:

“My heart is steadfast, O God, my heart is steadfast!

I will sing and make melody!

Awake, my glory! Awake, O harp and lyre! I will awaken the dawn!

I will sing praises to you among the nations. For your steadfast love is great to the heavens, your faithfulness to the clouds.” Ps 57:7-10

 

The second challenge is to be transparent before God:

• I will shout your Name.
• I will call upon your Name (and not just in the silence of my mind).
• I will do these things with my whole heart (and figure out just what that means and not try to explain why not to do it).

 

The third challenge is to put meat on the bones of these statements:

 

• I will keep your statutes.
• …that I may observe your testimonies.
• I (will) hope in your word.
• I may (want to) meditate on your promises.

 

These challenges are not wistful; not just good intentions to write about. These are things the Psalmist is modeling for believers so that we may know what to do, where to go to increase in maturity, to be intentional about our Christianity.

Amen.

Ricky Two Shoes

Journal Ps 119:97-120 (all references are from the ESV unless noted otherwise; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: (The Psalmist) “I hold back my feet from every evil way in order to keep your word…Your testimonies are my heritage forever, for they are the joy of my heart…You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in your word…Hold me up, that I may stay safe and have regard for your statutes continually!” (Ps 119:101, 111, 114, and 117)

Observation: What do these verses have in common? The significance available to me of God’s Word.

Analysis: This verse comes to mind: “For the word of God is living and active…” (Heb 4:12a)

There is more following Heb 4:12a, like being sharper than a two-edged sword, and having abilities to get into a person’s heart and stuff, but it is good to unpack verses bit by bit so that I can build understanding.

If I think of the “living and active” properties of His Word, then I begin to see how the Psalmist’s assertions about His Word apply:

• It provides discipline to resist sinful ways (“every evil way”) so that I can keep His Word.
• It becomes my heritage, the thing that I keep as my legacy to generations following.
• It becomes my hope, my hiding place (whatever I need that for) and my shield (I understand “shield”).
• It is my safety.

This is where the grace of imagination kicks in.

I think it is imperative that, when reading scripture, I think of the words on the page pulsating with life. There is latent power there. There are some readers that will think I have gone off my rocker. My only excuse is that I am charismatic in application and I know of no other way.

The above takes a bit of imagination, picturing in my mind, what the words mean and making an application. It is a characteristic, a trait, of being made in the image of God.

Therefore, embrace the Word! As I read Scripture, none of it is bland. I may be bland in mind, though. I must work through that so that I fiercely embrace His Word.

Prayer: Lord God, short this AM. Trees in the backyard calling me for sweat equity after Ian. Thank you for your mercy and my prayers for all those that survived and are now facing Ian part Deux. Please keep those of yours safe.

Help me not be complacent considering your Word. Keep my feet from every evil way.

Amen.

Ricky Two Shoes

 

Journal Ps 119:78-90 (all references are from the ESV unless noted otherwise; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: “Your hands have made and fashioned me…” (Ps 119:73a)

Observation: While our nation has made a focus on the unborn, have I stopped and marveled at the “me” God has fashioned with his hands?

 

Analysis: Babies, children of all ages can stop me in my tracks. I adore these little people of emerging sin that need a Savior.

I want them to see the Light in my eyes, soothing words that somehow testify of the Creator of all reaching out to them, implanting by the Spirit in faith a memory that God may (by his mercy) will bring to term at a time of His choosing.

Hardly any of these little children can articulate a response besides hiding and peeking out from their parent’s embrace or displaying a wide smile and giggle or being lost in the thought of “what is this strange man doing?”

This has been my way for decades since God has blessed me with children of my own.

It occurs to me, now that I am in the latter part of expected life, that I am not as wide-eyed, marveling and astounded at my own life—the creation of God that is me.

All my aches and pains (and I am feeling them today after Ian), the way I am that needs the grace of medicine, the crunch and grind of arthritis in my neck and hands—my body is a marvelous tale of the Creator, and a testimony of the effects of Man’s Sin; Sin that needs atoned for.

My body reminds me I need a Savior every morning I awake.

Paul wrote the following to the church at Thessalonica:

“Rejoice always,

Pray without ceasing,

Give thanks IN ALL circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.” 1 Thes 5:16-18

 

Prayer: Father, now what? I can’t help but think that there is something I should expect as a result of “giving thanks.” However, I know and am confident that this is a stepping stone to something more.

Help me to focus only on what you call/instruct me to do, not expecting anything but perhaps a feeling of your good pleasure rippling through my bones.

Help me to preach the Gospel to others the way I relate to children. Help me to treat children as a bit older than they are—they can relate to the Gospel no matter how old.

Amen.

Ricky Two Shoes

Scripture

Vs 50 “This is my comfort in my affliction, that your promise gives me life.”

Vs 52 “ When I think of your rules from of old, I take comfort, O Lord.”

Vs 58 “ I entreat your favor with all my heart; be gracious to me according to your promise.”

Be 67 “Before I was afflicted I went astray, but now I keep your word.”

Vs 71 “It is good for me that I was afflicted, that I might learn your statutes.”

Vs 75 “I know, O Lord, that your rules are righteous, and that in faithfulness you have afflicted me.”

Vs 76 “Let your steadfast love comfort me according to your promise to your servant.”

Observation  

This whole psalm is inundated with thoughts on God’s word. 

But this section  has an emphasis on “comfort” versus “affliction”.

And while these may seem opposite in life, for the psalmist these two opposites states of being (comfortable & afflicted) have the same effect …

Drawing closer to God!

In fact, it is because of the psalmist’s deep knowledge of the Word of God that he can remarkably be comfortable “in” his afflictions! (Vs 50)

Why? Because the very life that the psalmist has is due to the promises of God. (Vs 50)

What’s more is that the psalmist’s affection and knowledge of God’s Word is so deep, that he knows his afflictions may be actually the result of God’s goodness and faithfulness! (Vs 75)

Application  

So, then ….

How am I to respond to “comfort”?

Run closer to God!!

How am I supposed to respond to affliction?

Run closer to God!!

In other words, regardless of the circumstances in my life …

Run closer to God!!

This is the life of the psalmist.

Is it the life of me?

How can the psalmist be like this?

Because of his deep knowledge of the Word of God.

The psalmist knows that the more he grasps the Word of God, the more he grasps God, Himself.

And this is not a neutral act of mental discipline. 

With the deepening understanding of God’s Word comes a deeper knowing of God, Himself!

And with deeper relationship with God, the result is that I will run toward Him … not away from Him! 

It was this was for the psalmist.

May it be that way for me, too!

Prayer 

Thank you, again, God, for you word.

This psalm is such a reminder of the all around beauty in it.

Remind me of it.

Always.

Help me understand it at a depth that I run to you.

Im  Jesus name,

Amen 

Journal Is 53-54 (all references are from the ESV unless noted otherwise; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: (Isaiah prophesying about Jesus) “For he grew up before him like a young plant, and like a root out of dry ground.

He had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by men—a man of sorrows and acquainted with grief, and as one from whom men hide their faces—he was despised…and we esteemed him not.

Surely, he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet…we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted.

But…he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned—every one (of us)—to his own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.” (Is 53:2-6)

Observation: A familiar passage—but a passage I fail to give adequate thought to often.

Analysis: What am I reading here?

One benefit about typing/writing out the scripture reference is that by typing, I must slow down—I can’t type at the speed of thought.

Also, by writing, I take the opportunity to type the way I hear it in my head—I don’t type it out the way the bible editors framed it; I type the way I would speak it if I were on a stage. That way, I can wring out nuances the way Isaiah might have.

In my opinion, it is a good practice and avoids most monotone deliveries; puts some emotion in the passage.

Why was it curious that Jesus was no one to look at; no physical specimen; not handsome. He was despised. According to this prophetic word, someone I could have identified that he was well acquainted with sadness and sorrows—carried the weight of the world on his shoulders—figuratively and with authenticity.

Jesus, our Savior, should not be pictured as only one thing. He is the Lion of Judah, but he is also the Sacrificial Lamb. I can imagine him as full of joy only to have the joy fade while he remembers why he is here. At that point the Joy is displayed with fierce determination and a face like flint.

Do I appreciate Him? Do I review why He died for me? Do I see my face in the mirror and preach the Gospel to it?

Never enough…

Prayer: “Man of sorrows”, what a name for the Son of God who came. Ruined sinners to reclaim, Hallelujah! What a Savior!” Hymn, Man of Sorrows, Philip Bliss (1838-1876)

Lord, I cannot help but remember this hymn when I read this Isaiah passage. That is what hymns are good for, remembering your Word and the principles, precepts, and doctrine, behind the hymn.

Please help me not to forget and to please increase the impact of the Gospel to me.

Amen.

Ricky Two Shoes

Journal Ps 119:25-48 (all references are from the ESV unless noted otherwise; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: “Let your steadfast love come to me, O Lord, your salvation according to your promise; then shall I have an answer for him who taunts me, for I trust in your word.

And take not the word of truth utterly out of my mouth, for my hope is in your rules. I will keep your law continually forever and ever, and I shall walk in a wide place, for I have sought your precepts.

I will also speak of your testimonies before kings and shall not be put to shame, for I find my delight in your commandments (which I love).

I will lift up my hands toward your commandments (which I love) and I will meditate on your statues.” Ps 119:41-48

Observation: At what point does the Psalmist blend study with exuberant and demonstrative worship and evangelism? Curious, isn’t it?

Analysis: It is interesting that it seems this section of Psalms 119 builds like a musical manuscript; from a whisper to a firm shout, pianissimo to forte’ (soft to loud to non-musical types).

There is a point to read here: the integration of being sober and rational to also being uproariously emotional in praise. Compare:

• Trusting in God’s Word brings the confidence of His steadfast Love and faith in promised salvation.
• Word of truth, His rules, His laws and demonstrative worship (speak of God’s testimonies before authorities/rulers and engage in awestruck worship by lifting of hands, etc. all in private study)

Another description? Engage in emotional reflection on what is being studied.

I have found that the Scriptures are not just somber reflection, but are full of roaring, celebratory, meditation. The Psalmist also says,

• The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether.

 

More to be desired are they than gold, even much, fine, gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb.” (Ps 19:7-10)

• “How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” (Ps 119:103)

Do I always find my delight in the Word of the Lord? No, not always—I have to work at it, because if I am not finding my delight, then it is my issue, not His.

Am I distracted? Do I have an agenda followed by bitterness of some kind? Am I hard of heart and just not realizing it?  All of these have happened to me at some point in my life…not to mention today. It is why I need to constantly follow the pattern of Jeremiah:

“But this I call to mind (intentionally remember) and therefore (because of it) I have hope: The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies nevercome to an end; they are new EVERY morning—Great is Your Faithfulness!!

The Lord is my portion”, says my soul, “therefore I WILL HOPE IN HIM. The Lord is good to those who wait for him, to the soul WHO SEEKS HIM.” (Lam 3:21-25)

It is good to vigorously worship Him in His Word.

Set your jaw, steel your eyes, and let your heart soar!

PS: Study aid recommendation: ESV.org.

Amen.

Ricky Two Shoes

Scripture –

Psalm 119:10 – With my whole heart I seek you; let me not wander from your commandments Observation –
In Psalm 119, the psalmist is pointing to the importance of God’s word and following His precepts. The psalmist is following the first commandment by taking action to follow God with the entirety of his heart. The psalmist then asks for protection to keep him on the path of righteousness to follow God’s ways.

Application –
I must actively seek after God with my mind, my soul and all of my heart. God loves me and wants a relationship with me but he has given me free will an I have to choose to follow him. He does not only want my intellect or part of my heart but my whole heart to be aligned with His. In order to follow God, I must know and have a relationship with Him by being in His Word to understand His commandments. My heart should break for what breaks God’s heart. I have to rely on the power of the Spirit to guide me to stay on the path to follow Jesus. To wander away form God I just have to start with one step then another.

Prayer – Father,
Thank you for the truth in your Word and your love, grace and mercy in sending Jesus to redeem me so I can have a relationship with you to make you known. Let the power of the Spirt have me seek you with all my heart and be focused on Jesus to glorify your name.