Category: Good Life Journal

Journal Acts 7 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: “When he (Moses) was 40 years old, it came into his heart to visit his brothers, the children of Israel.

 

And seeing one of them being wronged, he defended the oppressed man and avenged him by striking down (killing) the Egyptian.  He supposed that his brothers would understand that God was giving them salvation by his hand—but they did not understand.

 

And on the following day he appeared to them as they were quarreling and tried to reconcile them, saying, “Men, you are brothers.  Why do you wrong each other?”

 

But the man who was wronging his neighbor thrust him aside, saying, “Who made you a ruler and a judge over us?  Do you want to kill me as you killed the Egyptian yesterday?”

 

At this retort, Moses fled….” Acts 7:23-29a

 

Observation: There are a number of high emotion issues here, many that I have indirect experience with, just like a lot of folks.

 

Analysis:  Right off the bat, I haven’t killed anyone.  But I have verbally attacked, assuming a position and character of Authority.  “Look, I know what I am talking about and it is self-evident what is right and wrong, so therefore I COMMAND you to behave.”

 

As a young Christian that assumption of command authority, in order to change or alter behavior, occurred a lot.  As an older Christian it still is a reflex within me that I have to deal with.  As Jesus has said, “It shall not be the way with you…” (cp Luke 22:26a)

 

Moses (a high-level royal) took deadly retribution against an Egyptian low-level authority with the thought, “My newfound allegiance with my Hebrew brothers will be lauded and recognized as the hand of God.”  This can be thought of as corresponding with the emotion of “finding Christ”.  But, witnessing to former friends, relatives, and acquaintances, a common backlash (just like the Hebrew), “Who made you worthy to command me?  You just killed a guy!  (or lied, committed adultery, stole, etc.) You are just like me, admit it!  Now leave me alone you hypocrite.”

 

And my response (probably very common): I ran away.  I fled.  I hid.  I pulled into myself and kept from talking for a long while.

 

As an example, Moses here is every Christian.  He made mistakes and thought he was doing right.  Took himself too seriously, no learning, no seasoning, not following and being discipled from another. The modern word is “mentoring”.

Nobody should be walking the “way of the Cross” alone.  No one should think they should or can successfully.  Many do, just the same, and not many mature doing that.

 

Every child should be looking primarily to their Father and Mother for guidance in the Faith.  Every Father and Mother should be ready to be a guide in the Faith.  Every wife should look to their husband for the same.  Husbands, you have a Holy Responsibility to your Wife, obligations to your Children. (c. Eph 5).

 

Adults: Find a mentor in the Faith—a person who exhibits Wisdom and Perseverance in the Word, displaying Growth in Holiness.

 

Moses didn’t.  He had a mid-life crisis at 40 years, found the Root of being Hebrew and…..blew it.  God redeemed the end anyway.

 

Prayer: Lord, I wanted to write about Stephen, but this popped out.  Never thought about Moses like this before and how similar this situation was (and is) to this dunce in the Faith.  Thank you for unfolding Scripture like this.

Bring revival, heal this land,

AMEN

Journal Acts 6 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: “And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of the disciples multiplied greatly in Jerusalem, and a great many of the priests became obedient to the faith.” Acts 6:7

 

Observation:  Chapter 6 of Acts is about appointing deacons, with a special call out to Stephen now and for the next chapter.  However, the above sentence indicates a result from appointing deacons…

 

Analysis: Cause and effect.

 

Here is an insinuation/statement that indicates the appointment of deacons had an effect on the local church in Jerusalem.  Could it be that this is a stand-alone statement?  Yeah, maybe—but just as much reasoning for deacons being a cause for growth as well.

 

In this tiny verse, 3 points:

• The Word of God continued to increase;
• Disciples numerically increased;
• Priests became obedient to the Faith.

 

All of these are aligned to my personal conviction of what is important—I have more, but not less than the 3 statements above.

 

What is most important here?  That the Word of God becomes more important daily, it thrives in the Local Church, and is a pillar in the growth of every Believer, office holder (Elder and Deacon).  The Word of God does not take second place in the practical life of the Local Church.

 

As a result, Disciples increase.  It follows that converts may increase, but Disciples are the target measurement.  Functional maturity is visible, personal holiness increases as a function of Scripture based performance.  “God says this from the Bible, I acknowledge the Supremacy of the Scriptures, so I repent, and change my ways.”  Converts learn to be disciples and just not in name alone.

 

Concerning priests: Because of observing and listening to focused allegiance to the Word of God, those folks who were part of the current religious leadership learn differently and obey the Truth.  How is that?  Because in all of this, theory and learning become actual and displayed by people.  I don’t just say, I say and do. (c. James 1:22—Doers of the Word, not just hearers…)  That was a big thing in the early church.

 

Practicing Christianity is more than just changing myself morally, it is a manner of fiercely embracing what “walk worthy of the Gospel” means.

 

Prayer:  Lord, I keep hammering this nail.  I have to; it makes my life different and it brings fruit.  Help me listen to you and not abandon things I need to pay attention to.  Being a Christian is not a one-trick pony.  All I have to do is read to understand that…

Bring revival, heal this land.

AMEN

Scripture

 

4 Why is it that you have contrived this deed in your heart? You have not lied to men but to God.”

 

26 Then the captain with the officers went and brought them, but not by force, for they were afraid of being stoned by the people.

 

29 But Peter and the apostles answered, “We must obey God rather than men …”

 

38 So in the present case I tell you, keep away from these men and let them alone, for if this plan or this undertaking is of man, it will fail; 39 but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!”

 

Observation

 

There are several instances in this chapter where the thoughts and deeds of man vs God are contrasted.

Ananias and Saphira

The officers of the temple court

The apostles

And then Gamaliel

One or the other will be feared, either God or man, but not both

But only one is ultimate and sovereign

 

Application

 

Every day, perhaps even several times a day, I have a choice … which kingdom will I serve?

The kingdom of man or the kingdom of God?

 

Only one is eternal and only one lasts in the end

Only one is worthy of living my life for

It seems a question of motivation will determine which kingdom I will serve

 

What motivates me?

The motivators of the kingdom of man are “fear” and “greed”

I can see it with the greed of Ananias and Sapphira and the fear of the court officers

 

So how will I serve the Kingdom of God then?

Only through the conviction of the Holy Spirit

Peter said “we must obey God rather than men”

 

“We must obey …”

Who likes to “obey”? … No one!

So, then, who will obey? … Only highly convicted people.

 

It is only in the Kingdom of God that I will think, “I must obey”!

In the Kingdom of man … better stated as the “The Kingdom of ME”, I will think, “I must obtain”!

Ananias & Sapphira wanted to obtain money.

The court officers wanted to obtain power.

Totally normal wants … in the Kingdom of ME!

 

So, then, I will only think in terms of “I must obey” if I am empowered by the Holy Spirit

Without this, I will be swayed daily by my own fickle wants and desires

I will serve my own fears and my own greed

I must obey the Holy Spirit

 

Prayer

 

Thank you, God, for your conviction

Thank you for your reminder

Help me to fear you more than man

Help me to want to obey more than obtain

In Jesus name

Amen

Journal Acts 3 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: “God, having raised up his servant (Jesus), sent him to you first, to bless you by turning every one of you from your wickedness.”  Acts 3:26

 

“Repent therefore, and turn back, that your sins may be blotted out, that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord, and that he may send the Christ appointed for you—Jesus—whom heaven must receive until the time for restoring all the things about which God spoke by the mouth of his holy prophets long ago.” Acts 3:19-21

 

Observation:  Peter doesn’t pull his punches.  And this eloquence from a commercial fisherman, not long from the docks, peddling fish.

 

When I “witness”, why don’t I talk like this?  Because I don’t talk to myself like this.

 

Analysis: Wickedness.  Such a word, so out of favor by Christians.  Shucks, I can barely use the word “sin”, much less wickedness.

 

And this is the sort of bluntness that Christians are supposed to use in evangelism?  “Repent and turn from your wicked ways.”  Doesn’t have that warm and welcoming tone, I think.

 

But coming to Jesus, believing in the Atonement for my Sin, my Wickedness, is exactly the tone of the Gospel.

 

Sounds radical, way over the top.  After all, Jesus is Love.  And yet, just sticking to those three words, does something, alters the Gospel message into something short sighted, not a comprehensive Biblical presentation of the Gospel.

 

I know why I don’t lead conversations with, “Are you aware that Jesus came to save the wicked?”  It is because I have a hard time (even today) saying to the face in the mirror, “Hello, wicked guy that I am.  Aren’t you glad Jesus died for you, to redeem you from your wicked ways?”

 

The subject of self-esteem is prevalent today, I guess.  Why should I remind myself of “why in the world did Jesus die for my sin?”

 

By avoiding that question, it preserves the illusion that somehow, I am lovable, I have some value personally that Jesus wanted, and that idea diminishes the Gospel in my mind.

 

Left by myself, my natural reflex is practicing wickedness.  Can’t help it, it is woven in my DNA from Adam.

 

But I have been set free, right? “But now that you have been set free from sin…” (Ro 6:22a) “For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death.” (Ro 8:2)

 

Perhaps this is objectively true, but is that what I experience?  No, being honest and transparent, I must resist Sin every day: “In your struggle against sin you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.” (Heb 12:4) Yeah, that does not describe me—probably not many people.

 

So, if I eventually want to get where the Scriptures recommend (Repent from wickedness), then I first have to be fairly fierce with myself, right?  I don’t see an alternative…

 

Do I need to get all “condemning” with people?  Not at all, for that isn’t my prerogative, but is the province of God’s Judgment alone.  But, as colors are a particular hue (Yellow, Blue, Red, etc.), Man is wicked compared to God’s Holiness—the only measurement that counts—and I need to embrace that sober distinction.

 

That is what makes Grace so astounding, so amazing, so wonderful!!  When I consider what God did for my Sin, my Wickedness, I can only cry my praise in gratefulness.

 

Prayer:  My wickedness, my sinfulness, compared to your Holiness.  No argument, I deserve all Your Holy Wrath.

If it wasn’t for your stupendous Grace, a Grace I will never, never, never, be able to fathom, I would not be in your loving Arms.

I am blessed only by Your Mercy and Grace.  May my praise be your crown,

Bring revival, heal my land,

AMEN

Acts 2:38-39 –   And Peter said to them, “Repent and baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone who the lord calls to himself.”

Observation –  

Peter has just finished preaching his first sermon at Pentecost and the people’s heart are moved as they ask what to do.  Peter answers the question with the first words of Jesus ministry repent of your sins.  Be baptized in the name of Jesus to receive the Holy Spirit and be born again.  The gospel that Peter proclaimed at Pentecost is for everyone.  No one is too far off geographically or spiritually to be reached by the gospel.

Application –

Jesus was crucified dead and buried for our sins, and resurrected to overcome death as our living Lord and savior.  The call from the first sermon preached is the same gospel message 2000 years later and demands the same response that I must remember daily.  Repent and turn from my sin, place my faith in Jesus be baptized in his name as a public affirmation and receive the Holy Spirit.  Submit humbly to Jesus and allow the Spirit to work in my life to share the gospel.  I must do all things in love and have a Great Commission focus to make disciples of all, baptizing and teaching to obey Jesus’ commands.  The gospel is the greatest news in a world that desperately needs hope.  No one is ever too far gone to be changed by the love of Jesus.

 

Prayer –

Father,

Thank you for the gift of the Holy Spirit!  Let me be repentant of my sin, have the Spirit give me boldness to proclaim your gospel and make disciples to honor you.

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

Scripture: “…wait for the promise of the Father, which, he said, “you heard from me; for John baptized with water, but you will be baptized with the Holy Spirit not many days from now.”  (Acts 1:4b-5a)

 

“…you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.”  (Acts 1:8)

 

Observation:  John’s baptism or Jesus’ baptism: which is appropriate?

 

Analysis:  This was a tough chapter to write about in my devotions.  I couldn’t get away from the thought, “Go big, or go home.”

 

I identify as a Reformed theology Christian (Doctrines of Grace—maybe easier to call myself Calvinist) with a significant Charismatic influence or persuasion from my youth until today.  But I have not been able to (in my hard opinion about myself) be able to explain a “Charismatic Doctrine”—not even to my wife.  It isn’t that I wonder whether it is real or not, it is being able to enunciate a coherent, reasonable, explanation that doesn’t sound spooky.

 

Sometimes it feels like the reference “baptized in the Holy Spirit” is something to acknowledge but somehow “inferred”—sort of like but not exactly like, the Doctrine of the Trinity.  Except there are concrete references about the Baptism of the Holy Spirit.

 

Take the above two specific references in Acts 1: “…you WILL be baptized…” and “…you WILL receive power…”  Ok, Jesus is pretty emphatic and explicit there but, so what?  I have read about fairly significant historical Christians, fathers of the Faith that did not make many bones about whether or not this was engaged in or even necessary.  But it is not good to ignore scripture for long…

 

I think there are some questions that cannot be answered without serious meditation:

 

1. If John baptized with water, and John said he needs to be baptized by Jesus, what would Jesus baptize with except the Holy Spirit?
2. If being baptized with the Holy Spirit is important, why?  What would this have that I can’t get without it?

 

Tackling the first question, this is what the scriptures say:

 

(John) “I baptize you with water for repentance, but he who is coming after me is mightier than I, whose sandals I am not worthy to carry.  He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” (Matt 3:11, also Mark 1:8 and Luke 3:16)

 

John baptizes with water, Jesus baptizes with “Water” as well?  There is a question here, but I am inclined to think that Jesus has more than a backyard pool to use. If Jesus is mightier than John, wouldn’t it follow that Jesus’ mode of providing baptism is mightier as well?

 

Now the next question: “Why”?  Why would the Trinitarian God choose this methodology?  I think two reasons: 1) Separation from physical technique (dunking for repentance) and, 2) setting aside as His own, a holy people, looking to follow in Jesus’ footsteps.

 

If that is the case, then it follows that: a) Water baptism is important for a number of reasons, not the least is Jesus did, so I should too.  But that is the physical technique that can be done by personal conviction; b) but Jesus baptizes with the Holy Spirit—and I should ask just like Jesus taught: “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and it will be opened to you.” (Matt 7-11, read this reference in entirety)

 

But I have to go further: The Gifts of the Spirit result from the Baptism (inferred), and if so, then the Gifts could be considered the Toolbox that the church uses to be his Witnesses.  This was prophesied:

 

“And it SHALL come to pass afterward, that I WILL pour out my Spirit on all flesh; your sons and you daughters shall prophesy, your old men shall dream dreams, and your young men shall see visions.

 

Even on the male and female servants in those days I will pour out my Spirit.” (Joel 2:28-29)

 

I cannot help but align myself to the Word of God, now and forever.  The Scriptures do not allow me to explain away with human reasoning and logic twisting.  I may not understand, my bones may resist, but, surrendering, I can’t speak against it.

 

It is His word, glorious and magnificent, accomplishing all that He intends to the End of the Age.

 

Prayer:  Dang, Father.  Why this and why today?  Besides me, who needs to read this?  I appreciate that you guide my mind and my hands.  The older I get, the more conservative I am, but only to the point of being a Berean-type: Looking, searching the Scriptures to see if it ain’t so.

Continue to fill out your Word in me, O Lord.  Illumine me, not in the fleshy, dumbness of my own gray matter, but through your Word.  I want, like Newton, “bleed the Bible.”

Bring healing to my land,

Cause revival.

AMEN

 

Journal Ps 17-18 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: “I have purposed that my mouth will not transgress.” (Ps 17:3)

 

Observation: Sometimes it is difficult to stay on one theme; multiple themes grab at my soul and I have to pay attention to one that speaks to me the most.

 

Analysis:  When I think about all the times where my heart is tested; about all the times where sleep doesn’t come, and I toss and turn because my mind cannot, will not, turn off, I should call upon the Lord.  However, like perhaps many, I don’t.

 

I can think and read the positive exclamations of the Lord being my Rock, my Fortress, my Deliverer.  What is harder is to keep my mind steadfast on this when I am tired or despondent in any measure; I fluctuate, blown in the wind, captured by my physicality and/or my feelings.

 

What happens is that when I am in the flux zone, I can lose control of my tongue.  Shucks, when I am just being me, I can lose control of my tongue.  Why? Because I am not paying attention.

 

I spoke about this with someone yesterday: Successful crisis management comes from being prepared and preparing in the non-crisis times—when there is peace.  Preparing in peacetime makes success in crisis time.

 

As I work through my salvation with fear and trembling; work through sanctification; work through walking worthy of the calling in which I have been called, it is my mouth that sins the most.

 

Oh, I know there is my mind, I am a sponge for sinful thought.  But somehow that is not what the Scriptures addresses primarily.  Do I want to analyze how I am doing as a disciple?  What is in my heart is the stuff that bounds out of my mouth.  What is the measure of my soul?  It is what comes out of my mouth.

 

What does transgression with my mouth look like?  I noticed that I wanted to write, “What does transgression OF my mouth…” but that isn’t right.  I transgress and use my mouth to do it, my mouth is just the instrument.

 

Grumbling, complaining, lies, exaggeration, not making my “yes”, yes, trying to argue a position with my own feelings and reasoning—that is what transgression looks like; not taking the opportunity to renew my mind so my soul is aligned with the Scriptures so my REFLEX is His Word and, as much as it can be, God’s mind.

 

A guy I knew said once that a possible way to start is to emulate Jesus by this pattern: Saying what I need to say and following it with “for the Scriptures say….”  A bit unwieldy, but the idea is there to copy.

 

There are a ton of suggestions, directions, etc. of what I need to do to be a successful disciple.  Controlling the tongue, the mouth is certainly at the top part of the list…

 

Prayer:  Father, I appreciate that you have driven and are driving this particular verse into my mind.  It is hard to put a bridle, a fetter, on my mouth which wants to go wherever it wants; lie, boast, look for adulation or pity—all in the name of my self-esteem.

I am weak and need your strength, Holy Spirit, to give up that quest to satisfy myself for my longings.  I am clay, mold me, shape me, into what You are looking for in me.

Bring revival, heal my land,

AMEN

Journal Ps 14-15 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: “O Lord, who shall sojourn in your tent?  Who shall dwell on your holy hill?

 

• He who walks blamelessly and does what is right and speaks truth in his heart;
• Who does not slander with his tongue and does no evil to his neighbor, nor takes up a reproach against his friend;
• In whose eyes a vile person is despised, but who honors those who fear the Lord;
• Who swears to his own hurt and does not change;
• (and) who does not put out his money at interest and does not take a bribe against the innocent.

 

He who does these things shall never be moved.” Ps 15 complete

 

Observation: Being a Christian is honorable in all aspects, and …. none of it is easy.  It is sacrificial to the ways of the world … and the way of the Cross

 

Analysis:  What do I see when I read Psalms 15?  I see aspiration to be commendable to God.

 

Remember, this is down the Sanctification road, not the Justification.  It is astonishing how the fleshy mind wants to shout “It is all Grace, no works.  Works will never save me.”  And it is correct…however, a believer PURSUES God, pursues righteousness—and God notices: “The Lord looks down from heaven on the children of man…to see if there are any who understand, who seek after God.” (Ps 14:2)

 

Ps 15:4c says of a believer, “…who swears to his own hurt and does not change…” is a bedrock understanding of walking worthy of the Gospel.

 

“I have been young, and now am old, yet I have not seen the righteous forsaken…” (Ps 37:25a)  The principle here is through different times of my life I have seen how God is faithful (even when I haven’t been) and how He guides my steps to His purpose in changing me to the image of his Son, my Lord Jesus. (Ro 8:29)

 

I go through times where my shouts are loud and continuous; other times where my tears flow and I can’t see into the next day—I want to crawl into a hole and say, “what is the use?”  These are the times of life that all folks to look to Cross can encounter.

 

And yet, through turbulent times, hope is still there, abiding in the heart.  That hope causes me to look past any current situation and into the horizon, taking a longer view of the path of righteousness—swearing to my own hurt, keeping my face like flint towards the Kingdom, not taking my eye of the Cross where I lay down my life daily.  Daily.  DAILY.

 

 

Prayer:  Father, today under all the physical isolation, turmoil in the country, my memories of my past, I cling to you in fervor and hope.  My resolve shakes but I cling to You.  Help me to daily lay my life down at the Cross, no matter the cost.

Bring revival.  Heal my land.

AMEN

SCRIPTURE

 

PSALMS 12

 

Vs 1 “Save, O Lord, for the godly one is gone; for the faithful have vanished …”

Vs 2 “Everyone utters lies to his neighbor… ”

 

Vs 6 “The words of the Lord are pure words …”

Vs 7 You, O Lord, will keep them;

 

PSALMS 13

 

Vs 1 “How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? How long will you hide your face from me?”

 

Vs 5 “But I have trusted in your steadfast love; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation.”

 

OBSERVATION

 

The two back to back Psalms show David in a desperate place.

David is sorrowful, even, to use a “bible” word, lamenting.

But he’s sorrowful for two different reasons.

 

In Psalm 12, he’s sad for the whole population and community around him. (“the faithful have vanished”, “everyone utters lies”)

 

In Psalm 13, he’s sad for himself. (“Will you forget me forever? Hide your face from me?”)

 

But David has a solution to both troubles.

In a world full of lies, God’s Word is pure.

In a world of loneliness, God’s salvation is joyful.

 

APPLICATION

 

Wouldn’t it be nice if the death and resurrection of Jesus meant these “laments” were only a worry of the past?

 

Yet, today, particularly in the midst of political turmoil, they seem more relevant than ever.

I even find myself thinking “everyone utters lies” and “the godly ones are gone”!

Or I’ll think, “we need you to show up bigtime God!”, “Don’t hide God! Show yourself in the middle of this chaos and the world will change!”

 

But I need to remember what David knew … go back to the Word of God.

When everything around me proves itself impure, it is God’s Word that’s pure.

When the chaos of culture leaves me feeling lacking, I need to be filled by God’s Word.

 

And it is this that also solves the second sorrow.

When God seems absent, He will reveal Himself in His word.

And it will remind me of His love for not only me, but all people … even the ones I’m perhaps too quick to judge as “liar” or “unfaithful”.

 

And it’s God’s Word that reminds me that God is only “hidden” when His followers hide Him.

Jesus said we will see Him when we love and serve others.

I am loved and saved by God.

Regardless of what’s going on around me, this is cause for rejoicing.

And the steadfast love of God should cause me to love others, especially when they seem unlovely.

 

PRAYER

 

God, thank you for your Word.

Forgive me when I crave the nonsense of the world around me more than the purity of your word.

Help me to see you in it,

and allow it to transform me to love others the way you love me.

In Jesus name,

Amen.

Journal Ps 9 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: “I will give thanks to the LORD with my whole heart; I will recount all of your wonderful deeds.  I will be glad and exult in you; I will sing praise to your name, O Most High.”  (Ps 9:1-2)

 

“…for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you.” Ps 9:10b

 

“…he does not forget the cry of the afflicted.” Ps 9:12b

 

“For the needy shall not always be forgotten, and the hope of the poor shall not perish forever.” Ps 9:18

 

Observation:  I notice the imperatives (verbs) versus the acknowledgments—the “whys” of God’s initiatives.

 

My prayers don’t always remember His faithfulness.  Dumb, isn’t it?

 

Analysis: Here I am, thinking I am on the upside of maturity, and I realize my prayers are regressed to: “Help me, Lord.  Give me this and that and the other thing.  Oh, and thank you.”

 

It is like I run into a time of prayer and completely forget acknowledging his faithfulness concerning my past.  I don’t even try.  Pray, touch all the bases of prayer, and get out—go do something else.

 

Even now, as I am writing this, I could give the impression that I am affected by this chapter and am energized to change my ways.  The impression would be false.

 

As it is, I am like many other believers, I am drawn to the easy path, not the hard one.  Study and writing are easy for me.  Spending, allotting significant time to pray is not.  For others, perhaps it is sharing their faith with outsiders—the more shared, the more warm fuzzies and sense of spiritual accomplishment.  However, confessing faults, doubts, questions, owning up to sin issues, etc.—that may not be in their wheelhouse.

 

The Psalmist remembers how to pray.

 

I tried teaching youngsters how to pray a long time ago.  It is like teaching how to play baseball; I have to think about all the little things so I can teach the little things.  Not having the need to prepare to teach, I have forgotten all the stuff myself.

 

I should take from Ps 9 (and the rest of Psalms) the remedial course.

 

Prayer: Father, how can I best serve my brothers and sisters?  By being real, confessing sin and faults; by being blunt and transparent is what I am thinking.

It is not how I succeed that makes a difference I think; It is how I approach you and deal with my failures.

O Spirit: remind me to enthusiastically recount all that you have done.  Cultivate humble gratefulness in me.

Bring revival

AMEN

Scripture –

Psalm 7:17 – I will give the Lord thanks due to his righteousness, and I will sing praise to the name of the Lord, the Most High.

Observation – 

David is taking refuge from his enemy and his sufferings in the Lord.  David knows that unless a man repents he will fall to his own evil and face the wrath of a righteous God.  In the final verse of the Psalm, David give thanks to God for He is righteous by praising Him in song as He is the Lord Most High!

Application –

As a believer and follower of Christ, I need to take shelter and refuge in Jesus always during good times and bad.  This is especially evident in times of trouble when suffering.  Jesus is our deliverer when we repent and place our faith and trust in His finished work on the cross.  There is a Great Day coming when Jesus returns as the ultimate judge and every knee will bow.  For the saints there will be no more pain or tears.  I must be thankful to God every day and praise His name as He is the only one holy, deserving of praise.

Prayer –

Father,

Let me love you and give thanks to you for everything!  You are the only one worthy and deserving of praise!

Journal Ps 4-5 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: “Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness!  You have given me relief when I was in distress.  Be gracious to me and hear my prayer!

 

O men, how long shall my honor be turned into shame?  How long will you love vain words and seek after lies?   SELAH

 

But know that the LORD has set apart the godly for himself; the LORD hears when I call to him.  Be angry, and do not sin; ponder in your own hearts on your beds and be silent.  SELAH

 

Offer right sacrifices and put your trust in the LORD.” Ps 4:1-5

 

Observation: Try reading these verses out loud using the pauses and inflection due the writing.  I am finding it refreshing to my soul and a cause to think differently about how I relate to God in prayer.

 

Analysis:  A quick Googleation (“Goo-gal-la-shun”, noun) of the word “Selah” produces three definitions in play:

 

1. A word occurring between verses/paragraphs in parts of the Hebrew bible, often in the Psalms, perhaps indicating a pause for contemplation (or soulful reflection);
2. A Hebrew word of unknown meaning at the end of verses in the Psalms, perhaps a musical direction, but traditionally interpreted as a blessing meaning “forever.”
3. An exclamation, precise meaning unknown, used to punctuate Psalm verses.

 

Maybe, like the word “Aloha”, it is all three depending on how and where it is used?

 

Selah: An effort, a signal (like in musical notation), to exclaim and contemplate something eternal.

 

If so, I am reading the first two paragraphs with an emphasis on exclaiming my call to God and pausing reflectively with serious effort; trying to intensely listen to the whisper of the Eternal God.

 

“Answer me when I call, O God…” can either be a shout or a whisper.  “You have given me relief when I was in distress…” is a statement of reminder—not only to God but to my own heart to remind my soul of His faithfulness.

 

The pattern is evident: My appeal; then my reminder to my heart; then my appeal again.  Psalms, a book to imitate for my attitude, prayer life, and more, says it this way over and over—especially telling myself, reminding myself vocally and forcefully of His Faithfulness.

Why should I study?  To show myself approved.  Approved at what?  Rightly handling the Word of Truth.  For what reason?  To grow in godliness and to be prepared to answer for the hope that is in me.

 

On a foundational level, studying should not only lead into pounding scriptural facts (memorization) in my noggin, it should also lead into savoring what God says.

 

If I read with intensity, out loud, being vocal in my prayer closet, then perhaps, only perhaps, the Holy Spirit with grant that savoring I pray for.

 

Prayer:  Lord, grant me the release to shout your Word!  To change the dynamics of my voice when I pray; to think and imagine how the Psalmist might have prayed out loud; to understand the cadence and dynamics of the Song that is in my soul and growing daily.

“I eat my fill from the abundance of your household, and your wisdom is like the depths of the sea, O Spirit of God.”

Bring revival

AMEN

Journal Ps 1-3 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: “Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain?  The kings of the earth set themselves and the rulers take counsel together against the Lord and against his Anointed, saying,

 

“Let us burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords from us.”

 

He who sits in heaven laughs; the Lord holds them in derision.” Ps 2:1-4

 

Observation:  Man plans, God laughs: Not what these 4 words convey exactly…well, maybe it does…

 

Analysis:  I mentioned this little proverb to my wife the other night but couldn’t put my hand on why or where I remembered it.  Lo, and behold—scripture to support my flighty thought.

 

The idea can be difficult to swallow.  After all, I am supposed to plan, right?  Proverbs talks all about planning.  And there’s the rub…

 

The above from the Psalmist indicates a few things:

• Rage and planning to do something about it will always be in vain;
• Rebellion comes before planning for action;
• Independence from restraint.

 

To be sure the above three have to do with Man wanting independence from God (Original Sin of Adam—the precedent of disobedience).  I want to make my own way, I don’t need God, I will worship Him as I like: all rooted from Adam way back when and lodged in Man’s DNA.

 

If I get bent out of shape thinking my “planning efforts” are not needed or serious, when I consider it from His Omniscient perspective, I must at least snicker at myself.  Seriously: I plan and try to see it through to the end I desire—and I am going to do that without God involved?  Whom am I trying to fool?

 

• “Commit your work to the LORD and your plans will be established.” Prov 16:3
• “The heart of man plans his way, but the LORD establishes his steps.” Prov 16:9
• “Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand.” Prov 19:21

 

The difference, then, is planning outside of engaging God.  That sort of planning is evil, and God mocks at it.

 

Does that mean I shouldn’t plan?  Just glide along the winds of whatever spirit blows me along.

Seriously?  Of course not.  As a disciple, I am driven with PURPOSE—to pursue God with my every breath.  That sort of chasing down maturity takes planning.

 

But, so does the grocery store.

 

Therefore, my little interlude of Proverbs indicates 3 things:

• Commit my plans to the LORD.  He will establish them.
• If I forget to consciously commit my plans to the LORD, He will still order my steps.
• Finally, I can think of many plans, BUT only HIS PURPOSE will reign.

 

It is probably good for me to remember that “grumbling and complaining” is closely related to “rage.”  I don’t have to be all out pounding my fist and stomping my feet for God to take notice.

 

When I sin, I don’t “sin” against anybody more than I sin against the Most High God.  I sin against Him first and foremost no matter what my sin is.  Good for me to remember.

 

Prayer:  Father, I think one of the harder things to do pursuing You, is this “planning” thing—and the resulting grumbling and complaining when plans fail—at least failing to MY POV.

I can imagine, when I plan and neglect even thinking about You, asking what YOU would have me do, your chuckle and softly shaking your head back and forth.

I am glad you are patient with me.

Bring revival,

AMEN.

Journal Mk 16 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: “And (Jesus) said to (the Disciples), “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to the whole creation.  Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned.”” Mark 16:15-16

 

Observation:  Can Scripture have controversial statements?  The subject of Faith into Salvation and something else (like being baptized) is.

 

How is this subject integrated into the larger understanding of the Gospel?

 

Analysis: A few years ago, I was asked to address this in a study paper for a pastor.  There was an attendant to the local church who was concerned that “preaching the Gospel” without emphasizing being baptized was in error; that is, this fellow’s position is “Believing” without “being Baptized” was preaching in vain and leading people in vain.

 

So, the basic issue is “what is sound, essential doctrine”: Grace plus a “work” (baptism) leading to salvation or, Grace plus nothing (no work) is doctrinally correct?  Distilling the question down to a precise point, “Is Baptism necessary as in essential, obligatory, or even mandatory for a person to be saved” (as the term is understood)?  Another way to ask is, “Is baptism optional?”

 

Backing up further, another question is “Is there room for multiple understandings of Scripture in the larger Doctrine of the Church?”  Applied to the “Faith plus Baptism” question, are the folks who adhere to the “Faith plus Baptism” right and everyone else wrong; or vice versa?

 

The potential conflict is easy to see.  This could apply to understandings/convictions of OSAS (once saved, always saved), Charismata, what is known as the “5-fold ministry”, the so-called doctrine of a “Rapture of believers”, dispensationalism, and more—what one fellow believes (sincerely or not) may be different from another and may cause division.

 

Pastors and Elders (or other church leadership titles/descriptions) have the most difficult time with this area because they are supposed to be authorities and speaking with authority.  Pray for these guys.

 

Someone like me, I get to “study to show myself approved—rightly handling the word of truth.” (1 Tim 2:15).  How long does it take to “rightly handle?” As long as it takes—staying in the Scriptures and reading other stuff until my eyeballs pop out of my skull.  Study is not limited to the Bible alone; that is why God gave us “godly men” and instruments of Grace like books.

 

Conviction of a doctrine is not the same as “stubbornness.”  Take the physical Earth as an example: I can believe the world is flat because “flat” is all my senses can take in.  But, 60,000 miles high, I can see something very different.  It can be the same with certain things of the Spirit.

 

To address the initial subject: Faith plus Baptism is in conflict with “Sola Fide”: Faith (in the Atonement) alone.  Eph 1 and 2 are pretty clear that “Faith in the Grace of Christ’s work on the Cross” plus nothing else equals Salvation.  But then there is Perseverance to the End (part of the acronym TULIP) that can be a clarifying piece of data to consider.

 

It is a difficult thing to be comprehensive and simple.  I am of the opinion/conviction that folks should want to be baptized as a sign of being set apart from this world; that a “born again” experience has happened.  But as an ordinance like circumcision was to the children of Abraham?  No.  That happened in my heart; baptism is my declaration to the world of that.

 

Baptism isn’t a stamp of approval in OSAS.  It is a declaration of Christ as my Savior.

 

BTW: this is as close as I have gotten to the original assignment other than preaching in my head.  Maybe there are another few thousand words plus a bunch of reading to finish…

 

Prayer:  So many things to address, Lord.  Something as simple as baptism can get twisted and applied in error.  Even my position I need to hold in firm looseness—just in case You provide additional light later.

As it is, I am glad there are other fish to fry in and for the Kingdom.

Bring revival.

AMEN

Mark 15

 

Scripture

 

Vs 1 … the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole Council. And they bound Jesus and led him away and delivered him over to Pilate.

 

Vs 8 And the crowd came up and began to ask Pilate to do as he usually did for them.

 

Vs 11 But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to have him release for them Barabbas instead.

 

Vs 15 So Pilate, wishing to satisfy the crowd, released for them Barabbas, and having scourged Jesus, he delivered him to be crucified.

 

43 Joseph of Arimathea, a respected member of the Council, who was also himself looking for the kingdom of God, took courage and went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus.

 

Observation

 

There are a lot of “leaders” here in these pivotal moments leading up to the crucifixion of Jesus.

There are the Religious leaders (priests, scribes, elders).

There are Civic leaders (Pilate, soldiers, guards).

 

And there is “the crowd” mentioned several times.

They all do the wrong thing.

 

The religious leaders want to “stir up the crowd”.

The civic leaders want to “satisfy the crowd”.

 

Only one person is mentioned as “respected”, … Joseph of Arimathea.

What did he do?

He “took courage”.

He “looked for the Kingdom of God”.

And he “asked for the body of Jesus”.

 

Application

 

Mark gives a dissertation on leadership and the human condition here.

 

Everyone wants to stand out from the crowd.

Everyone wants to be respected.

Everyone wants to be courageous.

Very few lead by doing all of these simultaneously.

 

I can “stir up the crowd” by inspiring action I want people to take.

I can “satisfy the crowd” by appeasing people and avoid conflict.

Or I can “take courage” and act individually.

 

But, more importantly, how often am I the one actually in “the crowd”, though?

The “crowd” is a very fickle & cowardly thing!

One week they shout “hosanna”, the next week they shout “crucify”.

 

Am I easily “stirred up”?

If I am easily stirred up, then I am easily controlled.

 

Am I easily “satisfied”?

If I am easily satisfied, then I lack conviction.

 

To not be part of the crowd, I must “take courage”.

To not be a selfish leader, I must “look for the Kingdom of God”.

 

The Cowardly Crowd asks for Barabbas.

The Courageous Individual asks for Jesus.

 

The Cowardly Leader looks to please people.

The Respected Leader looks for the kingdom of God.

 

Sadly, all of these things unfolded in the nation’s capital last week.

 

So, this is not an ancient or new phenomenon.

This is a condition of humanity.

 

Will I satisfy the crowd or Jesus?

 

Prayer

 

Thank you, God, for your Word

Give me courage Holy Spirit

Give me eyes to see your Kingdom

Help me to not be swayed or satisfied be lesser things

In Jesus name,

Amen