Category: Good Life Journal

1 Thes 5

 

Scripture

 

Vs 13 … Be at peace among yourselves.

Vs 14 And we urge you, brothers, admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all.

Vs 15 See that no one repays anyone evil for evil, but always seek to do good to one another and to everyone.

Vs 16 Rejoice always, ¹⁷ pray without ceasing, ¹⁸ give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you.

Vs 21 … test everything; hold fast what is good.

Vs 22 Abstain from every form of evil.

Vs 23 Now may the God of peace himself sanctify you completely, and may your whole spirit and soul and body be kept blameless at the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Vs 24 He who calls you is faithful; he will surely do it.

 

Observation

 

It is remarkable the all-encompassing, extreme language Paul is using to the church for expected behavior …

Who are we to encourage, help, and be patient with? … ALL!

Who should we repay with evil? … NO ONE!

When should I seek to do good? … ALWAYS!

When should I rejoice? … ALWAYS!

When should I pray? … WITHOUT CEASING!

When should I be thankful? … in ALL circumstances!

What should I test for goodness? … EVERYTHING!

What evil should I abstain from? … EVERY!

 

And how will they be sanctified? … COMPLETELY!

With how much of their spirit? … their WHOLE spirit!

 

This seems impossible!

But who will actually be doing this work?   “God, Himself”!

 

Application

 

Being a Christian is not a part time gig.

Being a Christian is full time work. … Always … without ceasing … for all!

 

I like to think I can do some “spiritual disciplines” … pray, read the bible, go to church, etc.

Like they’re going to the gym for a little work out before getting on with the rest of my day.

But Paul is most concerned with how I’m thinking about and interacting with others in every given moment.

Am I seeking good ALWAYS?

Am I being patient, and helping, and encouraging with EVERYONE?

 

Do I like to pick and choose my moments of when or who I am patient or good?

Paul leaves no room for “picking and choosing”.

He says “always and everyone”!

 

Paul does, however, ask me to be discerning.

He wants to pick and choose what is good.

This mean I must have an awareness of EVERYTHING around me.

What circumstances am I allowing myself in and encouraging other in?

 

Ultimately, though, how will any of this be accomplished?

It is God, Himself, doing the work within me.

I simply “work out” what He has “worked in”.

 

Prayer

 

Thank you God for your word

And thank you for your forgiveness when I fail it.

Help me see every moment and every one with the Spirit’s eyes

In Jesus name

Amen

1 Thess 4

Scripture:

[13]But we do not want you to be uninformed, brothers, about those who are asleep, that you may not grieve as others do who have no hope. [14]For since we believe that Jesus died and rose again, even so, through Jesus, God will bring with him those who have fallen asleep. [15]For this we declare to you by a word from the Lord, we who are alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will not precede those who have fallen asleep. [16]For the Lord himself will descend from heaven with a cry of command, with the voice of an archangel, and with the sound of the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. [17]Then we who are alive, who are left, will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air, and so we will always be with the Lord. [18]Therefore encourage one another with these words.

Observation:

I think the Thessalonian Christians at this time were wondering about what would happen to all of the others who fell asleep. And, they were hearing that Jesus would return soon, so they worried about what would happen to them if they died in this life prior to the Jesus’ return.  Would they get to enjoy God’s majesty?

Paul encourages them with a summary of the Rapture as backed up by plenty of other scripture. Whether living or asleep when the Lord returns, they will all go together to His glory.

Application:

My application is simple and obvious. Maybe we all just need to hear it sometimes and be encouraged as the Thessalonians were. I know I do.

As true believers, we know that when our body dies on this earth, we are simply passing through to eternity with the Lord. Asleep, as it is mentioned in the bible. Whether we are asleep or alive on earth, we will rise together with the other saints when our Lord returns. When the last trumpet sounds and the angels gather us (Matt 24:31). When the we hear the command “Come up here!”(Rev 11:12). Then we will be blessed with being face to face with our Father. Eternally in His glory!

Prayer:

Lord thank you for choosing me. Thank you for salvation and for setting me apart. While I’m on this earth, use me to glorify your name. I look forward to your return and to your command to come here. In Jesus’ holy name, amen.

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

Scripture: “For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming?  Is it not you?  For you are our glory and joy.

Therefore, when we could bear it no longer, we were willing to be left behind at Athens alone.  (and) We sent Timothy (our brother and God’s coworker in the gospel of Christ) to establish and exhort you in your faith that no one be moved by these afflictions (Paul’s—see 1 Thes 2).  For you yourselves know we are destined for this.

For when we were with you, we kept telling you beforehand that we were to suffer affliction (just as it has come to pass) and just as you know.  For this reason, when I could bear it no longer, I sent to learn about your faith, for fear that somehow the tempter had tempted you and our labor would be in vain.” 1 Thes 2:29 through 1 Thes 3:5

Observation:  A revelation: Paul makes the condition of the Thessalonian church something to possibly boast about before Jesus.  But, is the condition of the Thessalonian church something to boast about?

Analysis: There are two aspects alluded to here: my personal condition and the local church’s condition.

Of which do I have responsibility for?  The face in the mirror, of course.  And, as a husband, my wife (see Eph 5).

What do I not have responsibility for?  If I said I was responsible for children, co-workers, extended family, etc. I would be wrong and wrong in this manner: The Holy Spirit is the only entity that can change a heart.  Me?  I am responsible for the testimony of God, the presenting the Gospel, and all that—just as was seen in the Psalms section a week ago.  The Gospel is not to be sold like promoting the good things of God, avoiding talking about the bad things, and making a close/sealing the deal.  I am not a car salesman.

Guys like Kel and the elders?  Yeah, according to the scriptures they have a stake in the health of the Local Church—and not just the temporal health.  They have a stake in the continuing and deepening of the Spiritual/Biblical health; promoting and guiding to maturity.

But, as Paul relates, if I don’t make efforts, succumbing to temptations, their labor will be in vain.

Keeping the Main Thing the Main Thing.  It isn’t just focusing on one aspect of the Gospel (like witnessing); it is focusing on the Gospel in all its beauty and entirety.  It is making every aspect the aspiration of my life in Jesus and the application in the Local Church.

After all, do I want to be a disappointment or a boast?  Sometimes I must think about not being something to be something I want…

Prayer: Father, what do I not want to be?  For sure, even in my redemption, I don’t want to be a disappointment to You.  I know and am convinced of Your everlasting Love to me—which can be a struggle at times because I think that sometimes I am so unlovable.  Doesn’t matter what I think: Your Word is more than my feelings of inadequacy.

Help me keep moving forward in You.

I already miss Billy.  I wish I had one more hour with him.  AMEN.

 

Scripture

1 Thessalonians 2:2 – You know how badly we had been treated at Philippi just before we came to you and how much we suffered there.  Yet our God gave us the courage to declare his Good News to you boldly in spite of great opposition.

Observation

Paul is sharing with the Church at Thessalonica the hardship, poor treatment and suffering they had experienced on their missionary stay in Philippi just before heading to plant the church at Thessalonica.  Paul and Silas did not pack their tent and head home.  They relied on the power of the Holy Spirit from God to give them courage to preach the Good News with boldness and encourage the believers in Thessalonica.  There was strong opposition to the Gospel in Thessalonica as well.

Application

How much suffering and opposition do I face when I share the gospel?  Up until now, minor opposition to sharing of the Good News in America.  As I reflect on trips I have been (In the US and abroad), places where there is opposition is where the Gospel is needed and where it is growing.  There is nothing I can do on my own to prepare or present the Gospel absent of the power of the Spirit to lead and guide.  Greater opposition means greater opportunity to trust God in courage to share the love of Christ to a fearful world looking for hope.  We have the hope and encouragement in Jesus!

Prayer

Father,

Thank you for your love for me.  Please let me trust you and have the power of the Holy Spirit give me courage to share the Good News boldly with a world that desperately needs your hope.

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

Scripture: “And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.

For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything.” 1 Thes 1:6-8

Observation:  Some scripture is difficult to analyze because it gets clouded.  The “cloud” that can be applied are preconceived ideas and convictions.

Analysis: The beginning of Paul’s letters is called a preamble.  Dictionary says: “a preliminary or preparatory statement; an introduction.”

Lots of stuff found in the preamble.  I think Paul uses it to soften up the readers for what is coming next, but for sure these are coordinating statements—let’s get everyone reading from the same sheet of music.

I see questions embedded that previously I have overlooked, thinking this was just flowery and wordy language: a bunch of words strung together that didn’t mean much except for a “hooray for you” sort of emotion.  Recently, I have been asking more questions:

• Why did these folks become imitators of them?  And of the Lord.  What did they imitate?
• They received the word in affliction and joy?  What word did they receive?  General words or something specific?
• Receiving these words made them an example.   Again, what?  And, how?

A good sermon or two maybe doesn’t cut it.  I try to be a good listener but outside of the last sermon, I don’t remember much.  In fact, there are only 2 or 3 messages that I do remember the gist of over the past 20 years—they made that kind of impact on me.

So, what does cut it?

For me, it was a determination to be serious, fiercely serious about my Christianity.  If I am determined to be an example to others, then I must determine to live an exemplary life—not at a standard of showing off my Christianity—but starting off to be exemplary in private and with a few (like my wife who could testify candidly) and progressing outward to the public realm.

My conversion experience was not one of being convicted of my sin and/or wanting to be saved.  It was a conviction of following Jesus was the preferable future I wanted and that, if I was going to be a Christian, it was not going to be anything but jumping into the deep end of the pool.

Result?  Stop, start; fall off the horse but get back on; skinned my knees and embraced sin for a while here and there.  But, never far from the Whisper in my heart.

If I am going to be the joy of His Heart, then I press in.  It may not the path normally taken, but it will be the path historically taken.

Prayer:  Lord, thank you for letting me write.  I will read these words in a year and I hope I understand them then.  We’ll see, won’t we?  Until then, allow me, make me, enable me to hear Your whisper while I read and embrace Your word.  AMEN.

 

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

Scripture: “And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.

For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything.” 1 Thes 1:6-8

Observation:  Some scripture is difficult to analyze because it gets clouded.  The “cloud” that can be applied are preconceived ideas and convictions.

Analysis: The beginning of Paul’s letters is called a preamble.  Dictionary says: “a preliminary or preparatory statement; an introduction.”

Lots of stuff found in the preamble.  I think Paul uses it to soften up the readers for what is coming next, but for sure these are coordinating statements—let’s get everyone reading from the same sheet of music.

I see questions imbedded that previously I have overlooked, thinking this was just flowery and wordy language: a bunch of words strung together that didn’t mean much except for a “hooray for you” sort of emotion.  Recently, I have been asking more questions:

• Why did these folks become imitators of them?  And of the Lord.  What did they imitate?
• They received the word in affliction and joy?  What word did they receive?  General words or something specific?
• Receiving these words made them an example.   Again, what?  And, how?

A good sermon or two maybe doesn’t cut it.  I try to be a good listener but outside of the last sermon, I don’t remember much.  In fact, there are only 2 or 3 messages that I do remember the gist of over the past 20 years—they made that kind of impact on me.

So, what does cut it?

For me, it was a determination to be serious, fiercely serious about my Christianity.  If I am determined to be an example to others, then I must determine to live an exemplary life—not at a standard of showing off my Christianity—but starting off to be exemplary in private and with a few (like my wife who could testify candidly) and progressing outward to the public realm.

My conversion experience was not one of being convicted of my sin and/or wanting to be saved.  It was a conviction of following Jesus was the preferable future I wanted and that, if I was going to be a Christian, it was not going to be anything but jumping into the deep end of the pool.

Result?  Stop, start; fall off the horse but get back on; skinned my knees and embraced sin for a while here and there.  But, never far from the Whisper in my heart.

If I am going to be the joy of His Heart, then I press in.  It may not the path normally taken, but it will be the path historically taken.

Prayer:  Lord, thank you for letting me write.  I will read these words in a year and I hope I understand them then.  We’ll see, won’t we?  Until then, allow me, make me, enable me to hear Your whisper while I read and embrace Your word.  AMEN.

 

Journal Ps 89-91 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: “Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations.

Before the mountains were brought forth, or ever you have formed the earth and the world, from everlasting to everlasting you are God.”  Ps 90:1-2

Observation:  Every doctrine that Christians embrace, comes from a foundation of understanding: The Attributes of God.  This is one…

Analysis: God is Eternal.

The Holy Spirit inspired writers of the Old and New Testaments, and our historical fathers that has come before, seems to have always understood this.

All the Attributes, both Incommunicable and Communicable, are important to have knowledge about—if only to understand God’s hand in our world and especially the Gospel.

One of the functional misapplications that I can fall victim to is restricting God to Time.  What I mean by that is talking, thinking, communicating, imagining, etc. that God is only concerned with my here and now.  This “restriction on God” in all my considerations (spoken and unspoken) hampers every understanding I might have about the Trinity and, in effect, creates a false god.

This is a common example: “The Holy Spirit is testing me so that He can see how I will respond.”  How false this is and yet, it is common for everyone to succumb to.

His Eternalness sees my beginning to my End; I imagine all at a glance although, not being Eternal myself I really don’t know how He does it (Eternalness is one of the Incommunicable Attributes of God).

I rejoice and worship His Love, Mercy, and Grace, because I kind of know a bit of what these are about (examples of the Communicable Attributes of God).  Being Eternal (with all the imagined implications of that), not so much—I have ZERO frame of reference besides the definition of the word.

What does this mean, then?

I am under the conviction that it requires me to examine how I talk, what I say, how I think, etc.  Using the example above, “The Holy Spirit is testing me so that He can see how I will respond…”, the immediate observation is, “Oops, He already knows how I will respond, that that isn’t true.  If so, then is my perception of the entire “testing” process in error?”

This reflection and application if God’s Eternalness in my thinking is a part of “renewing my mind.” (Ro 12:2) Do I find that I keep my mouth shut more?  Yep.  Think before I speak?  Yep.  Practice prayer and praise with particular attention on “speaking truth (biblical facts, analytical facts).  Yesiree, Bob.

The Psalmist gets it.  In fact, the Attributes of God is so understood that it isn’t even a struggle in their minds.

I want to have the mental reflexes of the Psalmist.

Prayer: Lord Jesus, the more I learn, the more I change.  It is not the gathering of knowledge that You advocate, it is learning your Word and what is behind it, SO that I will change.  You brought the principles of learning in Ps 119, deep examples in the mighty men of God of the Bible, and more recent examples in the fathers of the Faith.  Help me not to be caught up in the “impulse du jour” of modern Christianity and look to the faithful past.  AMEN

Journal Ps 87-88 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: “But I, O Lord, cry to you; in the morning my prayer comes before you.

O Lord, why do you cast my soul away?  Why do you hide your face from me?  Afflicted and close to death from my youth up, I suffer your terrors; I am helpless.

Your wrath has swept over me; your dreadful assaults destroy me.  They surround me like a flood all day long; they close in on me together.

You have caused my beloved and my friend to shun me; my companions have become darkness.” Ps 88:13-18

Observation:  Such a gloomy set of verses.  Referring to the premise that Psalms is a mirror of the soul, a written example of real life, what could this be about?  Depression, despondency about failed/failing friendships…

Analysis:  The way Christianity is practiced is a strange thing.

Not that practicing Christianity is strange, just the way that I see it and have experienced it practiced, that is, alone.

Oh, the Sunday gatherings are emphasized (“…not neglecting to meet together (as is the habit of some) but encouraging one another and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” Heb 10:25), but hospitality with believers and more importantly, individual friendships in the Lord.

The Psalmist is wringing his hands over the sensation that he is alone; separated from God, from the Spirit, from his Face.  Moaning and groaning through the night.  Why?  Because he is alone.

Is he really alone, separated from God?  No, of course not.  But that knowledge in faith is not breaking through, either.

Feeling alone is like that.  Like a black hole in the heart.  “What am I supposed to do now?  I need help but who do I turn to?  Who is the Jonathan in my life like David had?”  (refer to 1 Sam 18:1-3)

I need a Jonathan in my life, knitted to my heart.  Everybody does.  The lack of a Jonathan may not be felt or recognized, but the need is there.  The Psalmist above knew it.

I know it too…

Prayer:  Father, you created deep friendships to occur.  I long for, even pine for one.  I have my wife, who is such a gift of Grace I cannot imagine life without her.  But it is not the same as you know.  Until then, until That Day, make me satisfied with what you provide, hoping for, but not presumptuous about a “friend closer than a brother.”  And, while I am at it, help me not to be shallow with the guys.  AMEN.

Psa 83

 

Scripture:

 

[1] O God, do not keep silence;

do not hold your peace or be still, O God!

[2] For behold, your enemies make an uproar; those who hate you have raised their heads.

[3] They lay crafty plans against your people; they consult together against your treasured ones.

[4] They say, “Come, let us wipe them out as a nation; let the name of Israel be remembered no more!”

 

Observation:

 

This was a call for God’s righteous judgement written at a time of great turmoil for Israel. They were constantly attacked and surrounded by enemies who tried to wipe them out as a nation and as a people. Their enemies were trying to erase all memories of them.

 

As Asaph cries out in this psalm, I can’t help but draw a parallel to what is happening these days to this country and to the Church.

 

Application:

 

I’m not saying that the United States is a chosen people as Israel was, but each of us, as Christians, have been chosen and grafted in.

 

Similar to what is happening in the United States and the Church where, what I believe to be a minority of outsiders (I call them outsiders since I believe them to be primarily controlled and driven by godless people), are trying to erase the history of a great nation, and our Christian values along with it. They are attempting to erase all memories of a land where people came to practice religious freedom, building a nation wholly based on Christian values. If we are sleeping, this godless minority will restart a totally godless nation right under our noses. The future will be different than anything we would have imagined only a few years ago.

 

Yes, God is in control even if we don’t feel it. Enemies surround us but we are not to be afraid.. “for God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control” (2 Tim 1:7). We have power. What I’m saying is that we have power and cannot be silent. We need to cry out to God as Asaph did in this psalm. If ever there was a time where we need to pray, it is now. If ever there was a time where we should ask for God’s righteous judgement, it is now.

 

Pray for our nation. Pray for our leaders. “He changes times and seasons; he removes kings and sets up kings; he gives wisdom to the wise and knowledge to those who have understanding” (Daniel 2:21). Pray for our Church. Pray for wisdom – that God let us know how to navigate these times in the country and the Church. Pray that we understand how God wants to use us in these difficult times, and pray that we obey his commands.

 

Prayer:

 

Lord we love you. Thank you for the gift of faith and for opening our eyes and our hearts. Help us understand your way, especially in these trying and turbulent times. Lead us in your way and help us stay united as a Church as we live amongst what seems like a growing culture trying to crush our voice and our spirit. We know that through all of this, you are in total control and in that, we find comfort and peace. In Jesus mighty name we pray, amen.

Journal Ps 80-82 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: “In distress you (me) called, and I (God) delivered you; I answered you in the secret place of thunder; I tested you at the waters of Meribah.

Hear, O my people, while I admonish you: O Israel, if you would but listen to me! ,,, I am the Lord your God, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt.  Open your mouth wide, and I will fill it.

But my people did not listen to my voice; Israel would not submit to me.  So, I gave them over to their stubborn hearts, to follow their own counsels.

Oh, that my people would listen to me; that Israel would walk in my ways…” Ps 81:7-13

Observation:  If I ever thought that the idea of “Walking worthy of the Gospel” was a uniquely New Testament idea, this changes it completely.

Analysis: “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation: a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” (1 Pet 2:9)

“…a people for his own possession…”: that just bounded into my mind.  I think this is exactly what the Psalmist was prophetically saying to the readers: “You are my cherished possession, O Israel.”

This is the mindset to cultivate: “I am his cherished possession.”  But I cannot stop there.  “I am his cherished possession, therefore, I will….”, what?

A few things are evident from this passage:

1. I call in my distress, He comes to deliver me.

It is not a one-way transaction:

2. There is a strong tendency in me to not listen for His voice.
3. There is a strong tendency in me to rely on my own means.
4. I am stiff-necked and rebellious (I will not submit).
5. My heart is stubborn, and;
6. I would rather listen to myself, lean on my own devices and counsel, than pay attention to God.

How many times, even though I think I know all the above and it is stuff to avoid, that I succumb to the attitude of Israel, the attitude of Adam—that is, “Me do it, not You.” (just like a 3 year old)

Why do I keep hammering on this subject of Walking Worthy of the Gospel?  It is because, no matter what specific sin I fall into, every sin leads back to considering the life of sin as preferable—not the various acts of sin, but the attitude.

Why were the Israelites stubborn?  Just like me, they were set in the ways of “I can figure this out for myself; I can change my life; I will submit only on my own terms; I will comply but not surrender.”

Are Christians immune from this attitude?  All I must do is peer intently into the mirror, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal any wayward spirit in me, and I know I am not immune.

It is discovering the true enemy within.

Prayer:  Father, in the fathomless beauty of the Gospel, the devil has his place.  But it is not that creature that is most influential in my life, it is Sin, the inheritance of Adam.  Your glory is stupendous, magnificent, and worthy to be studied all my days—gazing upon the beauty of the Gospel.

Help me, O Lord, to submit to your ways daily; not just a morning prayer and off I go, but throughout every moment of the day.  AMEN

Scripture 

Psalm 78:7-8, 38 – so that they should set their hope in God and not forget the works of God, and that they should not be like their fathers a stubborn and rebellious generation, a generation whose heart was not steadfast, whose spirit was not faithful to God.  Yet he, being compassionate, atoned for their iniquity and did not destroy them; he restrained his anger often and did not stir up all his wrath.

Observation

Asaph is writing this psalm for the benefit of the next generation in the future. He tells the people of Israel, God’s people, that they can’t forsake God.  The people have to be steadfast in their faith to God.  This must be taught, modeled to our children so they have hearts set on God.  Verse 38shows how much God cares for His people, how he atoned for their sin and was slow to anger.

 

Application

My heart and faith has to unwaveringly belong to the Lord.  I need to share/model my hope in the Lord and seek his Kingdom first to teach my children and other young people.  As evil forces have tried to take God out of public school and other public arenas in America this is now more urgent than ever before. There is spiritual warfare ongoing and I must be steadfast for the Lord.   I can’t forget what God has done for me and from what I was forgiven.  Good News, God loves us so much that he sent Jesus to atone for everyone’s sin who will believe in Jesus and claim His name.  We are adopted sons and daughters of the King!

Prayer

Father,

Thank you for your love for me, your patience and your grace in sending Jesus so we can repent, be reconciled and have a relationship with you.  Let the power of the Holy Spirit give me boldness to be steadfast in my faith to you and teach that to my children and the next generation!

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

Scripture: “And you became imitators of us and of the Lord, for you received the word in much affliction, with the joy of the Holy Spirit, so that you became an example to all the believers in Macedonia and in Achaia.

For not only has the word of the Lord sounded forth from you in Macedonia and Achaia, but your faith in God has gone forth everywhere, so that we need not say anything.” 1 Thes 1:6-8

Observation:  Some scripture is difficult to analyze because it gets clouded.  The “cloud” that can be applied are preconceived ideas and convictions.

Analysis: The beginning of Paul’s letters is called a preamble.  Dictionary says: “a preliminary or preparatory statement; an introduction.”

Lots of stuff found in the preamble.  I think Paul uses it to soften up the readers for what is coming next, but for sure these are coordinating statements—let’s get everyone reading from the same sheet of music.

I see questions imbedded that previously I have overlooked, thinking this was just flowery and wordy language: a bunch of words strung together that didn’t mean much except for a “hooray for you” sort of emotion.  Recently, I have been asking more questions:

• Why did these folks become imitators of them?  And of the Lord.  What did they imitate?
• They received the word in affliction and joy?  What word did they receive?  General words or something specific?
• Receiving these words made them an example.   Again, what?  And, how?

A good sermon or two maybe doesn’t cut it.  I try to be a good listener but outside of the last sermon, I don’t remember much.  In fact, there are only 2 or 3 messages that I do remember the gist of over the past 20 years—they made that kind of impact on me.

So, what does cut it?

For me, it was a determination to be serious, fiercely serious about my Christianity.  If I am determined to be an example to others, then I must determine to live an exemplary life—not at a standard of showing off my Christianity—but starting off to be exemplary in private and with a few (like my wife who could testify candidly) and progressing outward to the public realm.

My conversion experience was not one of being convicted of my sin and/or wanting to be saved.  It was a conviction of following Jesus was the preferable future I wanted and that, if I was going to be a Christian, it was not going to be anything but jumping into the deep end of the pool.

Result?  Stop, start; fall off the horse but get back on; skinned my knees and embraced sin for a while here and there.  But, never far from the Whisper in my heart.

If I am going to be the joy of His Heart, then I press in.  It may not the path normally taken, but it will be the path historically taken.

Prayer:  Lord, thank you for letting me write.  I will read these words in a year and I hope I understand them then.  We’ll see, won’t we?  Until then, allow me, make me, enable me to hear Your whisper while I read and embrace Your word.  AMEN.

Journal Ps 76-77 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: “You hold my eyelids open; I am so troubled that I cannot speak.

I consider the days of old, the years long ago.  I said, ‘Let me remember my song in the night; let me meditate in my heart.’  Then my spirit made a diligent search: Will the Lord spurn forever and never again be favorable?

Has his steadfast love forever ceased?  Are his promises at an end for all time?  Has God forgotten to be gracious?  Has he in anger shut up his compassion?

Then I said, ‘I will appeal to this, to the years of the right hand of the Most High.

I will remember the deeds of the Lord; yes, I will remember your wonders of old.  I will ponder all your work and meditate on your mighty deeds.’” Ps 77:4-12

Observation:  How many nights have I laid in bed with thoughts banging around between my ears so that I could not go to sleep?  How many times have I tossed and turned; eyes that are shut but might as well be wide open; and any attempt at prayer falls short in voiceless mumbles?

Analysis: When I read of the Psalmist this morning, I immediately identified with it.

It seems like I go in cycles…cycles that I cannot quite identify or analyze.  There are times where sleep is sweet and comes easily—I truly rest and wake up the next morning refreshed and aware of the Presence.

Then there are the times of the opposite cycle: where rest is not easy nor refreshing, and it isn’t for a while that I get my mind in gear to acknowledge God.  How often do I want to reset my troubles and be joyous once again?  Many times.  How hard is it?  Sometimes very hard.

Must I go through these up and down cycles?  I am sure biblically I do.  Experientially?  Will they happen?  I don’t want to be a fatalist but, yeah, I think that they will, and I that I will.

David was attested to be “a man after God’s own heart”, and he went through the ups and downs.  His emotions were all over the place—but he always came back to, “Nevertheless, I will REMEMBER!  I will set my mind on Him and all that He does; I will command my heart to fall in line with His Word, with the greater reality of God and not the transient reality of this world and my light and momentary troubles…”

“Can I skip over troubles?  After all, I am saved, right?  A child of the King, I am supposed to have joy unspeakable all the time.”  Short answer, no, I cannot skip over troubles.  Jesus said, “…In the world you will have tribulation (syn: trials, suffering, pains, ordeals, troubles).  But take heart: I have overcome the world.”  (John 16:33)  Troubles are not optional to my life.

So what?  In the scriptures are descriptions of mighty men of God going through the same emotions that 1 do.  Somehow, thinking about that is heartening…especially seeing how they deal with it biblically.  Is Jesus disappointed that I struggle with stuff at times?  No, He isn’t.  Omniscient God, right?

I am not afraid of struggles, only afraid that I will try to deal with it too quickly and not gain a lesson.  I am also afraid that when things are nice, I won’t learn and prepare for that valley plunge that will inevitably occur.

I have written above what I would do singly, appealing to the Holy Spirit alone; all by myself.  I would be remiss in not remembering this is where FRIENDSHIPS are a gift of Grace; conversation, association, and confession—transparency to another without fear; being humble to another in the fear of God.

Prayer:  Father, how many times do I try to solve my troubles on my own that You have seen?  Independence from You is the cardinal sin of Eden.  Let me declare my dependence upon You once again, repent from independence, and bow before the Cross (AGAIN) this morning…AMEN.

 

Journal Ps 87-88 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: “But I, O Lord, cry to you; in the morning my prayer comes before you.

O Lord, why do you cast my soul away?  Why do you hide your face from me?  Afflicted and close to death from my youth up, I suffer your terrors; I am helpless.

Your wrath has swept over me; your dreadful assaults destroy me.  They surround me like a flood all day long; they close in on me together.

You have caused my beloved and my friend to shun me; my companions have become darkness.” Ps 88:13-18

Observation:  Such a gloomy set of verses.  Referring to the premise that Psalms is a mirror of the soul, a written example of real life, what could this be about?  Depression, despondency about failed/failing friendships…

Analysis:  The way Christianity is practiced is a strange thing.

Not that practicing Christianity is strange, just the way that I see it and have experienced it practiced, that is, alone.

Oh, the Sunday gatherings are emphasized (“…not neglecting to meet together (as is the habit of some) but encouraging one another and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” Heb 10:25), but hospitality with believers and more importantly, individual friendships in the Lord.

The Psalmist is wringing his hands over the sensation that he is alone; separated from God, from the Spirit, from his Face.  Moaning and groaning through the night.  Why?  Because he is alone.

Is he really alone, separated from God?  No, of course not.  But that knowledge in faith is not breaking through, either.

Feeling alone is like that.  Like a black hole in the heart.  “What am I supposed to do now?  I need help but who do I turn to?  Who is the Jonathan in my life like David had?”  (refer to 1 Sam 18:1-3)

I need a Jonathan in my life, knitted to my heart.  Everybody does.  The lack of a Jonathan may not be felt or recognized, but the need is there.  The Psalmist above knew it.

I know it too…

Prayer:  Father, you created deep friendships to occur.  I long for, even pine for one.  I have my wife, who is such a gift of Grace I cannot imagine life without her.  But it is not the same as you know.  Until then, until That Day, make me satisfied with what you provide, hoping for, but not presumptuous about a “friend closer than a brother.”  And, while I am at it, help me not to be shallow with the guys.  AMEN.

Journal Ps 73-75 (all references are from the ESV; changes in punctuation are mine)

Scripture: “But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled, my steps had nearly slipped.  For I was envious of the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked…they are not in trouble as others are; they are not stricken like the rest of mankind…

They scoff and speak with malice; loftily they threaten oppression.  They set their mouths against the heavens, and their tongue struts through the earth.”

(I said to myself) “Behold, these are the wicked; always at ease, they increase in riches.  All in vain have I kept my heart clean and washed my hands in innocence.  For all the day long I have been stricken and rebuked every morning…

But when I thought how to understand this (it seemed to me a wearisome task), until I went into the sanctuary of God, then I discerned their end.

When my soul was embittered, when I was pricked in heart, I was brutish and ignorant; I was like a beast toward you…Nevertheless, I am continually with you; you hold my right hand.  You guide me with your counsel, and afterward you will receive me to glory.

Whom have I in heaven but You?  And there is nothing (nothing!!) on earth that I desire besides you.”  (Excerpts from Ps 73:2-25)

Observation:  You see?  You see?  The Psalmist could be me!  These words could be my words.  These thoughts could be my thoughts.  These groanings and wailings could be mine.  But could I recite that last line with conviction?  Would those words be mine…?

Analysis:  I identify with weariness.  There are many times where I am just…plain…tired.

I struggle with depression.  By the Grace of God, he gave scientific minded guys the idea of medicine and I am very grateful.  But crawling into a hole and pulling the hole over my head isn’t my only response to weariness.

There are many times where bitterness grabs me around the throat.  I get like a brute: angry, fierce, arrogant in the ways of “I know better that what the wicked are showing”, and, guess what, I join the ranks of the wicked without even knowing what I did; without batting an eye.

These are the lessons to be learned from the Gospel: the Gospel is Good News, and….it is replete with bad news for man.

In a way of perception, the wicked are to be pitied, but, without celebration the wicked are doing what they are appointed to do (Romans 9).  This is the lesson of John 3:16: Jesus died that I may be redeemed.  But my humble question before Him is, “Thank you, Lord, but why me?  Why did you die…for me?”

Prayer:  Lord God, my God: I can cry out “Whom have I in heaven but You?  And there is nothing, NOTHING, on earth that I desire besides you.”  Help me to make this my oft cry; what sings in my mind, what resounds in my heart.  I want to wear that on my skin, in my eyes, sounding off my tongue all my days left on earth.  AMEN.