The Foolishness Continues

GALATIANS 1: 1-24

(September 14)

Same story ... new place. Now Paul is writing to the church in Galatia, and it seems that they are following the same path as the Corinthians.

They are turning away from God, following someone who pretends to be preaching the Good News. This "falsie" is twisting the truth concerning Christ. Paul calls for a curse to fall upon anyone, himself included, who preaches any type of Good News other than the true Good News.

He knows his message is truth because it did not come from man, but from God. He was chosen by God, before he was even born, before he grew to be a persecutor of the gospel, before he was transformed to an apostle of faith. He accepts this calling on his life, just as we should accept ours.

Paul wrote this letter about AD 49. Paul and Barnabas had just completed a missionary journey that had included the province of Galatia. Upon their return to Antioch, Paul was accused by some Jewish Christians of watering down Christianity to make it more appealing to the Gentiles.

These Jewish believers didn't like the fact that Paul had said the Gentiles didn't have to follow many of the religious laws that the Jews had obeyed for generations. They felt as if the Gentiles should first take on the Jewish religion, including circumcision, before they could be saved.

This prompted Paul to write this letter to the believers of Galatia, explaining to them that the Old Testament laws will not bring salvation. The only way to salvation is by grace through faith.

The same holds true today. We can't "work" our way into heaven. We can't "do good" and earn enough "goodie" points to get us there. It is not based on popularity or finances.

Salvation is still achieved in one way, by receiving the grace of God through our faith in Jesus Christ. Paul praised God for this fact, and we do too!

My Enemy’s Enemy

One Year Bible (Sep. 14)

Isaiah 15:1-18:7

My Enemy’s Enemy

Who is the “Real Enemy” behind all of the enemies?

Yesterday, we looked at the evil empire of Babylon, and how it is mentioned in the New Testament in a much grander scheme. In today’s passage, we see that Isaiah is also bringing prophecies of doom and judgment to Moab (Chp. 15) and then to Damascus (Chp. 17).

What are they known for, and why is God bringing justice to them?

The Moabites were descendants of the son of Lot, born of an incestuous relationship with his oldest daughter. (Gen. 19:37) This was not an honorable start! During the Exodus, the Israelites would not even pass through Moab. They would rather wander through the Wilderness. (That tells us a little bit more about their reputation.)

Isaiah weeps for Moab’s people, but look at how they are described. “The people of Moab will worship at their pagan shrines, but it will do them no good. They will cry to the gods in their temples, but no one will be able to save them.” (16:12)

The very name, Lot, from which they descended, should set off a red flag for us as in the original “Sodom and Gomorrah”.

Next, we read about Damascus, the capital of the ancient nation of Syria. We see that Israel and Syria are closely aligned against the nation of Judah. 2 Kings 15: 29 and 16: 9 show us the fulfillment of this prophecy.

God Almighty delivered the nation of Judah into the hands of their enemy to bring them to a place of brokenness and humility.

They were constantly seeking after idols, so God allowed them to be placed under that kind of leadership… for a season. This season was just long enough for them to see the repercussions of their decisions and repent. He always had a plan to raise up a righteous remnant to bring back to their homeland. Through HIS beloved nation, HE had an eternal plan to bring the Messiah to redeem them from their sin.

Look at what God is doing for HIS own people as He defeats all their enemies, “Then, at last, the people will look to their Creator and turn their eyes to the Holy One of Israel. They will no longer look to their idols for help or worship what their own hands have made. They will NEVER AGAIN bow down to their Asherah poles or worship at the pagan shrines they have built.” (17:8)

Why is God doing this? “Because you have turned from the God who can save you. You have forsaken the Rock who can hide you.” (17:10)

God promised to never again destroy the entire world with a flood such as Noah and the Ark, but HE never promised that HIS justice would allow evil to take over the kingdom. He is both merciful and just. Most of all He is sovereign.

Now, let’s go back and look at the “Back Story” ... Who is the “Enemy of my Enemy?”

“How you are fallen from heaven, O Shining Star, Son of the Morning!” (14:12)

In the middle of all of his proclaimed judgments, Isaiah gave an amazing prophecy that is often quoted. It is like an inside peak at the arch enemy of God, Lucifer or Satan.

In the middle of describing the King of Babylon, he begins describing the fall of Satan. Some theologians such as John Calvin will tell you that this passage only pertains to the King of Babylon, but the book of Revelation uses the term Babylon in a greater context and the Bible also uses this terminology to describe Satan and his fall…

Many don’t mind a prophet giving prophecy for their time but can’t seem to grasp that their message could be for a future time as well. The book of Revelation and Isaiah are great examples of future prophecy.

In this passage, Isaiah is tying the “Battle of Babylon” to a much greater “world system”.

This passage tells us that not only are the evil kingdoms going to FALL but the enemy of God behind the pagan altars will also fall.

Look at what we learn about this “fallen angel”. (14:12-15) 1) He was thrown down to earth, 2) He destroyed the nations of the world, 3) He bragged about ascending to God’s Heaven, presiding on the mountain with the gods, and climbed ‘the highest mountains’ to be like THE MOST HIGH.” 4) Instead, he will be BROUGHT down to the place of the dead.

There is a strange paradox at work here that we need to take note of… Nothing makes a person LESS like God than to try and be God’s EQUAL!

This is the sin of the “Star of the Morning”. He desires to be equal to God. The first temptation in the garden shows this pride. His tempting of Jesus repeats this same theme, and the OT shows this theme running as a hidden agenda throughout all battles.

These people were surrounded by the enemy and faced with terror. The enemy of God’s strategy has not changed. He still works to bring kingdoms and God’s people down through Pride and self-worship. He is fine with us worshiping “many gods”, just not GOD.

There is a song that I absolutely love by Josh Wilson. It is called, “The Things I’m afraid of”.

I hope you will give it a listen today. Here are just a few of the words, “I walked through the valley of shadows and it scared me half to death But You're with me everywhere I go. So I won’t give us yet. My fears would surely kill me if I didn’t know the truth.

The Things that I’m afraid of are afraid of you.” (Josh Wilson)

Has terror come your way? The very same God that took out all of the enemies of His people in that time, is the God who’s standing right behind you too…

He’s “My Enemy’s Enemy”!

Don’t Fail the Test

2 CORINTHIANS 13: 1-14

(September 13)

I am going through some training right now that will allow me to do some counseling within my church. It is a lot of studying and a lot of class time, but I am hoping the end result will be the ability to help someone in need. When I am finished with this training, there will be a "test" to make sure I was listening and absorbed what I need to know.

I usually do pretty good on tests. As an overachiever, I do my best. So, I am hopeful that this one will be no different.

But what if I don't pass? What if I fail the test? All those hours in training and studying wasted in one single act. Now THAT would be a bummer!

Paul is planning his THIRD visit to the Corinthians, and they still seem to be a little slow in getting his message. The last time he visited, he gave warning to those he found sinning. Pretty much, that was their last chance. If they continue sinning, they will have failed the test of faith.

Do you think you have ever failed the test of faith? Has there been a time when you just could not trust in God for something?

One of the huge ways they were failing was by not acknowledging the correction of their authority. They wouldn't listen to Paul or his fellow apostles. There was no humility to submit.

How often do we balk against submission, especially when it calls us to change a behavior we don't want to change? In that way, we are just like the Corinthians, stubborn-hearted and prideful.

Don't fail the test. Humble yourselves before God and listen to his commands. His word says that when we do this, he will lift us up. I don't know about you, but to me that sounds like an A+!

My Strength & My Song

One Year Bible (Sep. 13)

Isaiah 12:1-14:32

My Strength & Song

“The Lord is my STRENGTH and my SONG.” (Isaiah 12:2)

Who is your STRENGTH and SONG? To answer this question is to unravel this entire passage of scripture that we are studying today.

The passage today begins with the words, “In that day”. When is this time?

As we look back at the end of yesterday’s passage we see these words, “He will make a highway for the REMNANT coming from Assyria, just as he did for Israel long ago when they returned from Egypt.” (11:16)

So, is this passage just for the remnant? Is it just about the Babylon of their day?

What does Babylon stand for and does Babylon still exist today? Who was the king of Babylon at the time of the Judean exile? What does the word, “Babylon” mean, and is it used in other places in scripture? Who is the “Day Star, Son of the Morning” and what has he got to do with this mess?

Trust me when I say that my little notebook has way more questions for me to study than just this short list, and that is just for today!

Writing a little devotional is not as simple as the author tries to make it appear. It is a wrestling match and today our match involves Babylon. This match begins with learning, and that begins by asking questions.

Did you know that there is actually a song, called “Babylon” by Lady Gaga? (Do you care? Hmmm) I actually do care because it tells me what direction our world is heading and where people are looking to put “the strength in their song”.

“Strut it out… Ba-Ba-Babylon”. (That’s the only catchy part!)

It is more about “Sketchy Parts” including the graphic on the cover.

The last line in her song is correct, however, “Battle for your life, Babylon.”

Before I even examined her lyrics, I knew this song was in trouble! You can know that by understanding the reputation of “Babylon”.

Babylon means “gate of the gods” and that is very accurate as it is known as a polytheistic nation (meaning they worship many gods). Its name is synonymous with the words, “Degenerate” or “Oppressive”.

In Biblical history one of the names for Iraq is Babylonia and it is known today as the area 60 miles south of Bagdad, Iraq. (Does that sound interesting in light of present events?)

The word, “Babylon” is also used in the New Testament. It is known as “Babylon the Great” and “The Whore of Babylon”. In Revelation 18, it symbolizes “the wickedness of the world”. We are told that if we follow God’s command, “Come out of Babylon”, we will not be part of the plagues that will destroy the world. (18:4-8)

As you can see, the “Battle of Babylon” is bigger than just the battle that the Nation of Judah was facing.

Who captured and later freed the Nation of Judah? That would be Babylon!

Who is going to be destroyed by God?

Babylon, Judah’s greatest enemy, is also the greatest enemy of God as they stand for all that is unholy. They were used as an instrument of God for a season. Basically, God said to Judah, “If you want to live like this ungodly nation, then you can just go and live under them as their slaves.” The people of God had a lot to learn!

One question that needs to be asked about today’s passage is whether this passage is just dealing with the destruction of “Babylon” of that day and time or “Babylon” (as in the book of Revelation) of a larger designation in time and dominion.

“For dominion belongs to the LORD and He rules over the nations.” (Ps. 22:28)

This principle is found throughout scripture. God rules over nations… godly nations, sinful nations, idolatrous nations. He can use them to humble other nations, bless them, or lower them. In this passage we see God doing ALL of the above!

Next, is the struggle in this passage just with “The Immediate Babylon”?

“For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” (Eph. 6:12)

This is a powerful lesson and NT reference to remind us that our problem is not just with a king, president, congress, or judges. Who is really behind the evil that rules kingdoms?

“Strut it out… Ba-Ba-Babylon”...“

The Lord is my STRENGTH and my SONG.” (Isaiah 12:2)

I Saw the Signs

2 CORINTHIANS 12:11-21

(September 12)

In 1993 Ace of Base had a hit song titles I Saw the Signs. One line of the song goes like this:

I saw the sign and it opened up my eyes
I saw the sign

So often, we go through life missing the signs that are right in front of our faces. Sometimes, it is actual SIGNS ... you know the ones, they point left, right, east, west. We miss them, take a wrong turn and get lost. It would be so much easier if people would give directions by saying, "You turn left at McDonalds, then go down to the Starbucks and take a right. It will be a half block down next to Chili's. Aaaahhhh... now I know where I am going!

Paul was struggling with the Corinthians "missing the signs." They are missing the very important sign that Paul is NOT a fake apostle, and those false teachers are.

He feels like he has already proven himself to them and there should be no more question, but there are still those who think he was sneaky and took advantage of them. He speaks of the signs, wonders, and miracles he did when he was with them.

Why did he mention these signs? God gave the apostles outward, confirming, extraordinary indicators to show others that they were who they said they were. These signs were meant to keep people from saying they didn't know about the apostles or couldn't believe them. These were sufficient and beyond question, so that those who refused to listen to them and acknowledge their works would have no defense on the day of judgment.

Clearly, he should not be needing to write this after all they had witnessed him doing.

They didn't see the signs. This is a great lesson for us to be going through life with our eyes open, being aware and intentional about what God is doing in our lives, and not taking anything for granted, but being grateful in all things.

When we see the signs, we see the power and wonder of our God. And with that ... there is no room for question.

What Sorrow Awaits

One Year Bible (Sep. 12)

Isaiah 10:1-11:16

WHAT SORROW AWAITS

Ever heard the phrase, “Don’t shoot the messenger”?

Not only does Isaiah start with the words, “What Sorrow Awaits’ but repeatedly warns the people of God's prophecies and warnings.

Luke 13:34 says, "Jerusalem, Jerusalem, you who kill the prophets and stone those sent to you, How often I have longed to gather your children together, as a hen gathers her chick under her wings, and you were not willing"…

II Kings 2:16 states, “Manasseh also shed so much innocent blood that he filled Jerusalem from end to end--besides the sin that he had caused Judah to commit so that they did evil in the eyes of the Lord.”

This was Isaiah’s daily work environment! The Kingdom was going DOWN and it was his job to tell what was coming!

Isaiah lived during the time of the most wicked king ever… Manasseh!

The time of his death and manner is not specifically explained to us. However, Jewish tradition says that he suffered martyrdom by being sawn in two under the orders of Manasseh.

Perhaps how you may have heard that the book of Isaiah is often called “The Fifth Gospel”. Like the apostles who told of the Gospel of Jesus and eleven out of twelve were martyred, Isaiah is on the front line day and night. He not only says, “Here I am. Send me.” but is willing to accept this calling at the risk of his own life.

What Sorrow Awaits… Indeed!

The nation of Israel and Judah are going DOWN, but in the midst of this tragic, dark time, Isaiah points them to another sorrow that awaits in the distant future. This sorrow will change the WORLD!

God’s chosen people’s future is looking bleak and the promise made by God to David looks like something in the REARVIEW MIRROR, but Isaiah looks through REDEMPTION’S REFLECTOR to give us a glimpse of hope.

Embedded in the midst of a message of judgment and demise is the other side of God’s Sovereignty…

Isaiah introduces to God’s people three principles that they can not begin to FATHOM, and three passages that we can not begin to FORGET.

A BIRTH. A BRANCH. A BANNER.

A BIRTH …Isaiah 9:6 is one of the most majestic passages that was ever written. I love to hear these words every Christmas season.

“For a CHILD is born TO US, a SON is given. The government will rest on his shoulders. And he will be called: Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, prince of Peace. His government and its peace will never end. He will rule with fairness and justice from the throne of his ancestor David for all eternity.”

“A CHILD”... He will take on HUMANITY.

“A SON”... He will be DEITY... The SON of the BEGOTTEN.

“The Government”...He will be the opposite of everything that they are now enduring and he will bring PEACE rather than division and war. The promise to King David will continue to reign through all eternity.

A BRANCH…” Out of the STUMP of David’s family will grow a SHOOT. Yes, a new Branch bearing fruit from the old root. And the Spirit of the Lord will rest on him--The Spirit of Wisdom and Understanding.” (11:1-20)

STUMPS are dead. The tree is gone and there seems to be no hope, but Isaiah is saying that a NEW BRANCH will grow out of David’s family. God is not done with his promise to David's lineage.

A BANNER… ”In that day the heir to David’s throne will be a BANNER OF SALVATION to ALL the world.” (11:10)

This word, BANNER does not begin to jump out at us like it would the people of the time of Isaiah. A banner was the ensign or standard declaring allegiance to the Lord. It was carried into battle at the very front and it was a “Symbol” of VICTORY.

I wonder if Isaiah, himself, could begin to grasp the magnitude of the message that God’s spirit was imparting to him through these Visions of Hope.

A BIRTH. A BRANCH. A BANNER.

“Surely HE took on our infirmities and carried our sorrows…” Isa. 53:4

Even in the darkest of times of judgment and upcoming captivity Isaiah points the way with prophetic words of sorrow, symbolism, and salvation.

WHAT SORROW AWAITS…Thank you, LORD!

“Man of sorrows, what a name. For the Son of God who came. Ruined sinners to reclaim! Hallelujah! What a Savior!

(Man of Sorrows, Traditional Hymn)

A Thorn in the Flesh

2 CORINTHIANS 12: 1-10

(September 11)

Have you ever heard that phrase "a thorn in my flesh?" Perhaps the speaker was referring to a situation in their lives. Or maybe it was a person that was causing them angst. It could have been a sickness or condition that caused perpetual problems. Whatever it was, the phrase was surely intended for something negative that was causing issues.

Paul continues his boasting in his own weakness. How easy it would have been for him to become proud of all he was doing and all he had endured. It was certainly boast-worthy!

But he had a little reminder that kept him from boasting out of pride ... "So to keep me from becoming proud, I was given a thorn in my flesh, a messenger from Satan to torment me and keep me from becoming proud." (verse 7)

We don't know what that thorn was. Paul never reveals its identity. Some scholars have thought it might be some type of health condition. We won't know this side of heaven, but wheat we DO know is that it was chronic and debilitating, and it kept him from working at times in his life.

Did Paul accept this thorn willingly? Not at first. It was hindering his ministry and he prayed for it to be removed. God did not remove the thorn.

The thorn was left to hinder Paul for a very specific reason ... to keep him humble and remind him of his need for constant contact with God. This not only benefitted Paul, but also all those around him who saw God working in his life, despite the thorn in his flesh.

Paul recognized that this thorn kept him humble and weak, and he was happy to be weak in his own strength, because he knew his strength was in God. Now THAT he could boast about!

Think about it. Have you received a thorn in the flesh that keeps you dependent upon God? Even when it is hard or uncomfortable, God knows what he is doing. If we can trust him with our thorns, we can trust him with our lives.

My Father’s Eyes

One Year Bible (Sep. 11)

Isaiah 8:1-9:21

My Father’s Eyes

“And on that day when we will pay for all the deeds, we have done. Good and bad they’ll all be had to see by everyone. And when you’re called to stand and tell just what you saw in me. More than anything I know I want your words to be… She had her Father’s Eyes.”

(Father’s Eyes, Amy Grant)

My daughter’s name is Chelsea, and she is an amazing young lady filled with mystery, love, and angelic tendencies. Since she has been a wee little girl she would come to church while I was on stage practicing with the worship team. She would ALWAYS and I mean ALWAYS… GALLUP into the room with her hands raised and voice joining in. I would watch smiles come over the worship team members’ faces… They saw what I saw which was that “we couldn’t begin to see what she saw”. She just glowed!

I have often wondered if she is an “angel unaware” gracing our presence, but I could write a book on that topic…

One day she said to me, “I have my Father’s eyes”, but she wasn’t talking about her earthly dad. Sometimes she has the ability to make chills run up and down my spine. It’s her superpower, she gets that from “her DAD”.

She went through a REALLY rough patch for about a year and had multiple surgeries. After one of those surgeries, they called me to come into the recovery room. To my surprise, she was already awake when I arrived. I asked her if she was nervous when I wasn’t there and she said, “No, I knew you would come.” Then I asked her how the surgery was and if she was afraid. Once again she said, “No” and then she said, “God held me and told me I was HIS child.” The nurse heard her simple little voice stating this in the way that only she can do…Tingles and tears… We are changed because of her amazing childlike faith.

Everyone that heard the words from Isaiah were shaking their heads as well. How in the world could this man see the things that he saw and speak of words that he knew nothing about?

He had encountered the DAYBREAK and that light would shine in him throughout his entire life. They call the book of Isaiah “The Fifth Gospel” because he speaks much of the coming Messiah, only he is not actually there with Jesus like the others. He sees glimpses of the future through the visions that God gives to him. Does he really even begin to know the depth of the visions? He knows his sovereign God in a way that none before him had ever encountered as he went directly into HIS throneroom and lived to tell about that and the “coal”...

How can we know which of Isaiah’s words were prophecies for that particular time and which apply to the time of the Messiah?

You will find theologians and other interpreters of scripture that certainly disagree, but there is one way to figure it out. Follow the bread crumbs…What I mean by that is to follow THE WORD of God because IT is THE LIVING BREAD. We just interpret scripture in light of other scripture.

So, let’s take a look at Isaiah through New Testament eyes. Isaiah 1:9 says, “If the LORD of Heaven’s Armies had not spared a few of us, we would have been wiped out like Sodom, destroyed like Gomorrah.” In Romans 9:29 we see that the Apostle Paul quotes the words of Isaiah and attributes his words to Isaiah. So, we know they are connected and important.

Yesterday’s passage found in Isaiah 7:14 has often been read at Christmas services and may have sounded quite familiar to you, “The Lord himself will give you the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God is with us.’)

Were you confused when you read this passage in context?

In context, it is dealing with the present situation going on in the land of Judah. Is this passage referring to Isaiah’s son that would be born? Scholars disagree over the word translated there as virgin also and some translate it as being a ‘young woman’.

Matthew 1:23 spells these words out for us, “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son. They shall call his name Immanuel;” which is, begging interpreted, “God with us.”

Have you noticed how much of the Old Testament deals with their everyday life but there is a hidden message in the situation pointing us to the Messiah? Abraham and Isaac, Esther and the saving of the Jewish nation, and on and on and on… Even when Jesus told parables He was pointing the people to “hidden meanings’ that only “those who had eyes could see”.

“My Beloved’s Vineyard”... Ahhh, Isaiah certainly had eyes that truly saw his Father!

Another amazing and well-known passage that you may have heard is found in Isaiah 9:1-2. It is also found in Matthew 4:15-16, “In the land of Zebulun and of Naphtali, beside the sea, beyond the Jordan River, in Galilee where so many Gentiles live, the people who sat in darkness have seen a great light. And for those who lived in the land where death casts its shadow, a light has shined.”

Do you know that Isaiah was quoted sixty-six times in the New Testament? God was speaking, but only a small remnant was listening and turning their eyes to see the LIVING GOD.

What about us today; do we have our Father’s Eyes?

Let’s Give Them Something to Talk About

2 CORINTHIANS 11: 16-33

(September 10)

Well ... if they are going to talk about you, you just as well go ahead and give them a reason, right??

If the blabbing won't stop, you better join in and make your own point.

Do you think that Paul, on a normal day, would stoop to either of the above? Most likely, not. But this is not a normal day. Today, Paul is ANGRY! And we all know we can say and do things when we are angry that we wouldn't on a "normal day". (Whatever that is)

Paul is angry that these "falsies" have IMPRESSED and DECEIVED the believers in Corinth. He set about to reestablish his credibility and authority.

He started by listing the trials he had endured in his service of Christ: "Five different times the Jewish leaders gave me thirty-nine lashes. Three times I was beaten with rods. Once I was stoned. Three times I was shipwrecked. Once I spent a whole night and a day adrift at sea."

He adds to this, saying: "I have traveled on many long journeys. I have faced danger from rivers and from robbers. I have faced danger from my own people, the Jews, as well as from the Gentiles. I have faced danger in the cities, in the deserts, and on the seas. And I have faced danger from men who claim to be believers but are not."

Little did he know, but he would go on to endure even more. Paul sacrificed his life for the gospel. That is something the false teachers would never do.

Despite all the trials he faced, he continued to take on the daily burden of concern for the churches. He worried about how they were doing. Although he doesn't like to boast, if he has to, he feels it necessary to boast about his weaknesses, giving praise to God in all things.

You wouldn't find the false teachers boasting about their weaknesses. Instead, they would be boasting about their knowledge, their abilities, etc. No glory went to God, only to themselves.

So, with all the talking they did about themselves, Paul wanted to really give them something to talk about ... the power of God and the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Here I Am. Send Me.

One Year Bible (Sep. 10)

Isaiah 6:1-7:25

Here I am. Send me.

“I see the Lord seated on the throne exalted. And the train of His robe fills the temple with glory. And the whole earth is filled. And the whole earth is filled. And the whole earth is filled with HIS glory.”

(I See The Lord, Chris Falson)

I can remember leading this worship song and the feeling that came over the entire room as we sang these words together. It left us in awe. These words are taken directly from scripture and from the experience of one man in scripture, Isaiah.

Perhaps you remember reading how some questioned if it is possible for Isaiah to have written the entire book of Isaiah because he writes about things that have not happened yet. How can this possibly be, they ask?

“These are the VISIONS that Isaiah son of Amoz saw concerning Judah…” (1:1)

Not only did he have VISIONS about the nation of Judah, but he was selected to bring them a message because of HIS special encounter with the Lord of Hosts.

What are his qualifications for bringing Judgement and hope to the nation of Judah?

How can Isaiah tell messages of a Messiah that will come long after his time?

He is shown a VISION of God that we can only read about in the book of Revelation and the two pictures match exactly!

Let’s look at his extraordinary encounter with God that tells us who this man Isaiah really is and what his calling entails…

Daybreak. Devastation. Duty. Deliverance.

These are a few words that describe this angelic encounter.

The Hebrew word used here describes the symbolic light such as Daybreak. God is clothed in light, honor, majesty, splendor, and glory. It is beyond any kind of light that a human can imagine. In HIM is NO darkness at all.

He is surrounded by Heaven’s armies of angels called seraphim and their description matches the description given in the book of Revelation.

Are they stuttering or repeating when they say, “HOLY, HOLY, HOLY, is the Lord?

This threefold repetition of God’s holiness is called the trihagion… God in three persons.

Father, Son. Holy Spirit. The words “shaken” and “smoke” symbolizes God’s holiness as it relates to His wrath and judgment.

Thus, Isaiah is DEVASTATED! How can a human, unholy man be in the presence of this kind of brightness and not be “Incinerated”? Notice, that the “heat” of coal is used to touch him to clean him, but not to harm him.

Who will God call to a “Duty” to preach JUDGMENT and DELIVERANCE to HIS people?

Let’s take a close look at God’s sovereign call in the life of Isaiah through this vision.

This vivid, lifechanging, heavenly encounter brought: (6:1-8)

1. CONVICTION

2. CLEANSING

3. CALLING

4. COMMISSIONING

5. COMMITMENT

How do most churches hire their pastors today?

Most ask for a list of college degrees. In recent years they often want you to have a Master’s degree. Some are so bold to ask if you have ever drank any wine. If so, and you have no Master’s that is strike two. If you have ever sinned that is strike three and they aren’t “taking you out to the ol’ ballgame”.

I understand the need for integrity, character, and morality. But, what about Conviction, Cleansing, Calling, Commissioning, and Commitment?

God’s calling was to humble Isaiah by having him put his eyes on his HOLY, HOLY, HOLY sovereignty. Isaiah was not to take a program or pazazz to the people of Israel. He was to KNOW the PERSON… that knowing humbled him to his core and helped him to speak the truth that God was calling him to share.

When we join the worship of God where are our eyes directed?

Our calling will be determined by the direction of our View.

“Holy, Holy, Holy. Holy is the Lord.”

How is your view of yourself altered now?

Here am I. Send imperfect, undone, cleansed me.

Second Best: Do You Measure Up to Others?

2 CORINTHIANS 11: 1-15

(September 9)

Have you ever felt like you just didn't measure up? You didn't feel as smart as the next person, or as capable of what you were doing. Inadequacy was your middle name, and you carried it like a badge on your heart?

That has been my situation on many occasions in my life. I just finished writing and publishing a devotional, but of course those feelings of inadequacy have crept in, making me feel like I have to compare it to others, and it won't be good enough.

We do this even in our marriages and our parenting. Our homes can never shine quite as bright as the Pinterest pictures of others. Our kids have stains on their shirts and messed up hair, and the next mom's kids look so well put together.

There are situations in every aspect of our lives where we can allow ourselves to feel second best, not good enough, and not capable enough. But the key word here is ... ALLOW.

We have the power in our minds to not allow these thoughts. (But sometimes we don't think we are even capable of that.) If we could all practice the mindset of Paul, we would have a lot more confidence in our lives.

Paul knows he is not a trained and experienced speaker. He had not attended in Greek schools of oratory and speechmaking. Many of the "false prophets" had attended these schools and they had polished their speeches so they could shine.

Paul didn't believe he needed the flourishing speeches. He was confident in his simple presentation of the gospel. Some people thought this showed that he was simple-minded. The "falsies" used this against him time and time again.

But Paul is confident in what he does because he knows who is leading him. He is certain that he will continue to do things in the same way, which will cause problems for the "falsies" because Paul speaks for free, when most of the others expect compensation. He will continue to undermine them and hopes to rid Corinth of them entirely.

Paul's confidence in this comes from knowing he is living out God's calling on his life. We will all do so much better in the things we do if we have the same mindset.

If God calls you to do something, he is going to give you the ability to do it. He is in control, and he will make a way. So, we should never feel like we aren't "good enough", and we should never settle for being "second Best".

In God's eyes, we are his favorite!

Timely & Timeless: So Sad, Your Dad!

One Year Bible (Sep. 9)

Isaiah 3:1-5:30

“So Sad, Your Dad”

The word “WOE” is more of a lament than just a judgment. It basically expresses the thought, “How sad for you.”

A parable is a simple story used to Illustrate a moral or spiritual lesson. It is a comparison, illustration, or analogy.

Today’s parable is of the Lord’s Vineyard, “Now I will sing for the one I love a song about his vineyard: My beloved had a vineyard on a rich and fertile hill. He plowed the land, cleared its stones, and planted it with the best vines. In the middle, he built a watchtower and carved a winepress in the nearby rocks. Then he waited for a harvest of sweet grapes, but the grapes that grew were bitter.”

(5:1-2)

This sad story tells the strained relationship between Israel and God, with Israel depicted as a vineyard and God as the vinedresser. God has done everything necessary to enable HIS people to prosper and produce sweet fruit, but the vineyard did not produce good grapes. The fruit is bitter because they have chosen a life of bitterness and evil.

This parable in chapter five is followed by a series of SIX WOES against the people of Judah. This message is directly focused on those that have greedily accumulated wealth and power and those that have mocked God and recognized evil as good. (5:1-30)

The LORD lamented six specific sins in Judah. 1) Greed (8-10), 2) Debauchery or sexual immorality (11-17), 3) Blasphemy (18-19, 4) Perversion (20), 5) Arrogance (21), and 6) Corruption (22-23).

God’s people had not only rejected God’s laws and wisdom, but they had rejected HIM!

They had partied and were filled with wine, women, and wealth. They had traded God’s gift to them of intimacy for unnatural relationships and performed all kinds of perversions attached to idol worship. It was a big orgy with the offering of children as sacrifices. They trusted godless idolatrous nations as their allies to rescue and save them rather than turning to their God.

They were a vine that was overgrown with weeds of shame. They yielded bitter wine.

Why do you think the parable of the vineyard was selected for use in this passage by God to reveal their true sin? Perhaps, it is because their sin started with their inebriated condition of parties, orgies, and idol worship. Out of this flowed everything else. They lived to please their fleshly desires…

The Vinedresser grieves over the garden that he created, cared for, and cherished!

What more could he have done? Nothing!

The vineyard chooses its own destiny, and so HE will take away Judah’s Hedge of protection and it will become briers, thorns, and waste.

He will no longer “TAKE CARE” of a garden that doesn’t CARE!

Here is the saddest description of the vineyard’s sad state, “So, my people will go into exile far away because they do not know me.” (5:13)

God’s own creation no longer knows or heads the words of their creator!

Here is a result of them not knowing God or following HIS ways, “What sorrow for those who say that evil is good and good is evil, that dark is light and light is dark, that bitter is sweet and sweet is bitter. What sorrow for those who are wise in their own eyes and think themselves so clever.” (5: 20-21)

Isaiah began today’s passage in chapter five with these words, “My beloved had a vineyard.” (5:1)

My BELOVED. Yet, His own people did not love their creator, provider, and vinedresser.

HE was NOT their BELOVED.

Have you ever loved someone and done everything you could to show them that love? Have you come to their rescue when they were in trouble or in a hard place time after time? Have you ever prayed for them to change their heart and mind about their attitudes and actions? Have you ever given much grace but then they won’t give any grace to their family members, friends, or brothers and sisters in Christ?

I have experienced this and perhaps you have also. It hurts beyond measure! That hurt is a small glimpse of what God experiences to an infinite extent! The gift of FREE WILL is the greatest blessing and the greatest obstacle for God’s creation. We don’t always or often make the right choices. God went beyond and above in pursuing a covenant relationship with his children. But, HE wouldn’t make them love HIM, and HE was removing HIS HEDGE of protection…

Can you see these WOES being said about our nation today? As a REMNANT of His GRACE are we praying, interceding, and standing rightly?

“SO SAD, YOUR DAD!” … Those words are heartbreaking to HIS BELOVED!

Battling the Stronghold

2 CORINTHIANS 10: 1-18

(September 8)

Have you ever been in a battle against a stronghold in your life? There are many things that can catch us up in their tangled web and keep us bound to something sinful. Addiction, anger, gossip, fear ... and so many more, keep us caught in a trap and a cycle that we can't seem to break free from.

But there is ALWAYS a way out. The battle is never really ours to fight, it belongs to the Lord.

The Battle Belongs to the Lord (Maranatha!)

In heavenly armour we'll enter the land
The battle belongs to the Lord
No weapon that's fashioned against us shall stand
The battle belongs to the Lord

We sing glory and honor
Power and strength to the Lord
We sing glory and honor
Power and strength to the Lord

The power of darkness comes in like a flood
The battle belongs to the Lord
He's raised up a standard, the power of His blood
The battle belongs to the Lord

And we sing glory and honor
Power and strength to the Lord
And we sing glory and honor
Power and strength to the Lord

When your enemy presses in hard, do not fear
The battle belongs to the Lord
Take courage my friend, your redemption is near
The battle belongs to the Lord

We sing glory and honor
Power and strength to the Lord
We sing glory and honor
Power and strength to the Lord

It is only by our strength through him that we can fight the battles of life. He is our armour and our guiding light. It helps greatly to know this and trust in it as life doles out its battles.

Paul's concern for the Corinthians was that they would be fooled by on the so-called "ministers of Christ" that had come to the area with their credentials and letters of recommendation, calling themselves "super apostles."

These men were very persuasive with their education, credentials, social status, and persuasive talk. But they were phonies, who opposed Paul, sought monetary gain, and indulged in lewd acts. Paul is urging the believers to evaluate these men, not in view of the world, but in view of their spiritual wisdom and knowledge.

These "super-apostles" (I wonder if they wore capes like Superman) were hoping to turn the church in Corinth against Paul. Perhaps they wanted all that money that was heading to Jerusalem for themselves. They claimed authority over the church, exalting themselves and taking all the credit for the growth there.

Paul wanted the church to know that such self-commendation was not Christlike in any way. He reminds them that he and his fellow leaders never took any credit or boasted of anything outside the realm of what they were doing for God, and that it was God who was given credit, not them.

It is his hope that they will break this stronghold of being fooled by these apostles, and that their faith would grow. Paul is wanting them to get in a more secure position with their faith, so that he can move on to other unchurched areas and preach.

There were actually TWO strongholds going on here ... the apostles were caught in the stronghold of self-centeredness and self-commendation. The believers were caught in the trap of trickery by these imitators.

What battles do you face every day? What strongholds have their arms locked around you?

Remember, the best way to fight the battle is on your knees with the strength of the Lord.

Timely & Timeless: God’s Government

One Year Bible (Sep.

Isaiah 1:1-2:22

Timely & Timeless: God’s Government

REMNANT’S MATTER

“Except the Lord of Hosts had left us a small REMNANT we would be like Sodom and Gomorrah.” (Isaiah 1:9)

Human Depravity. Horrendous Evil. Haughty Perversion.

These are just three phrases to describe what happened in the city of Sodom and Gomorrah before it was utterly described.

The Bible tells us that the end times will be characterized by carnality, gluttony, promiscuity, and perversion as in the days of Noah when the entire world was destroyed by a flood, except for Noah and his family.

Evil does not go unnoticed in God’s realm…

The book of Isaiah is both Timely & Timeless which is utterly amazing in so many ways!

The first half of the book of Isaiah speaks of God’s Government to address Israel’s sin. The second half of the book speaks of God’s Grace.

The book of Isaiah is also referred to as “The Fifth Gospel”.

If there is one Old Testament book to read that gives you a glimpse of the entire Bible it would be the book of Isaiah. This book is to the Old Testament what the book of John is to the New Testament. It gives you a “focused view” of the Big Picture.

This book is so unique and interesting for many reasons…

You can think of it as “The Mini-Bible”. Its structure is like a miniature Bible in that there are sixty-six chapters while the Bible has sixty-six books.

The book of Isaiah has two great divisions, the Government of God (Judgment) and the second half of the book is the Grace of God (salvation through the Messiah). There are 39 chapters in “The Law/Judgement” section of Isaiah just as there are 39 chapters in the Old Testament. There are 27 chapters in the God’s Grace section of Isaiah just as there are 27 books in the New Testament.

The Old Testament begins with the sin of man and the book of Isaiah begins with the very same theme. The first section of Isaiah closes with the prophecy of the coming King who will bring righteousness and redemption to his chosen, but sinful people.

The second section of the book of Isaiah begins with the “voice that is crying in the wilderness” ( Isaiah 40:3) and points to the coming of the Messiah. The New Testament opens with these words telling about John the Baptist and preparing the way for the coming of the long-awaited Messiah.

The book of Isaiah ends with the vision of the new heaven and a new earth where righteousness dwells in perfection. (Isaiah 62:1-2, 65:17, 66:22) The New Testament closes with this very same theme in Revelation 21. The similarities between Isaiah and the book of Revelation are amazing!

The last 17 books of the Old Testament are all prophecy. Five are of the Major Prophets and Twelve are of the Minor Prophets.

I used to think of this in terms of “Baseball”. Who is a Major league player and who is playing in the minor leagues… However, I was way “out in the outfield” on that one! The term major prophet means that it is a large or lengthy book or prophecy and minor prophets have a shorter message. Isaiah is definitely a “Major league player’. The game will be LONG and EXCITING!

Do you remember how many books are in the Bible? What about how many chapters are in the book of Isaiah? Well, that is how many times the book of Isaiah is quoted in the New Testament, SIXTY-SIX times!

Now, I ask you, “Do you think all of this is just by coincidence?”

The Bible uses numbers like 40, and 7 all throughout the Bible to help catch the greater picture in this symbolism.

Even in the Old Testament God is giving them a glimpse of the New Testament even before it was written or lived. How can this possibly be?

Some people doubt that Isaiah could have possibly written the second half of this book. How could he write things that actually happened in the future that he knew nothing about?

The beginning of the book of Isaiah answers this question for us, “These are the VISIONS that Isaiah son of Amoz SAW”…(1:1)

As a prophet, he spoke “FOR GOD” and received “FORETOLD” information! Prophets appeared in the DARKEST TIMES of History to point the REMNANT to REVIVAL and the UNRIGHTEOUS to REPENTANCE.

Even in the darkest of times, a REMNANT MATTERS! It mattered then and it still matters now...

The “Fifth Gospel of Isaiah” is both TIMELY & TIMELESS!

The Unspeakable Gift

2 CORINTHIANS 9: 1-15

(September 7)

Sometimes we need a little reminder of what we said we would do. Our intentions are good. Maybe we are really fired up about something when we make a commitment, but then time passes, and life gets in the way. Before we know it, we have let time move along without fulfilling our promise.

Other times, we are still intent on the follow-through, we are just waiting for the appropriate time.

As Paul addresses the Corinthians in Chapter 9, he is reminding them of their intentions to give generously to the believers in Jerusalem. It has been a year since they pledged to do so, and now Paul is sending Titus and a few others to collect on that promise.

He addresses them in a way that doesn't accuse them of forgetting or regressing on their offer. He states it in such a way that he has full confidence that they will follow through with what they were so eager to do a year ago.

For I know you are eager to help, and I have been boasting to the churches in Macedonia that you in Greece were ready to send an offering a year ago. (Verse 2)

Paul had done a lot of boasting about their generous intentions. How foolish he would look if they did not follow through. As he stated, it would be an embarrassment.

Sending Titus and the others ahead was an effort to collect the donation in advance, so that he would know for sure that it was still being given. He is urging them to give what they said they would give. But he is also reminding them of the importance of giving with a cheerful heart.

He reminds them that those who give much, will be blessed with much. God is always there to meet their needs and give to them even more abundantly when they share with others.

When he speaks in verse 19 about the "unspeakable gift" he could be referring to the grace given to them, which made them able and willing to help the poor.

Others believe that he is referring to Jesus being God's gift to us all, a gift so great that it defies anyone's ability to express it with words.

In other words, the "unspeakable gift" is an "indescribable gift."

Aren't you grateful for that unspeakable, indescribable gift of Jesus? Where would we be without the love and sacrifice shown on our behalf?

Without it there would be no grace, no love, no joy, no hope. And that, my friends, is simply UNSPEAKABLE!

Even So, Come

One Year Bible (Sep. 7)

Song of Songs 5:1-8:14

Even So, Come

“Oh, sing a song of celebration. Lift up a shout of praise for the bridegroom will come, the glorious one. And oh we will look on His face. We’ll go to a much better place.”

(We Will Dance, David Ruis)

When our daughter was just a tiny little girl we had the privilege of joining a Joni And Friends week of camp for families with disabilities. Joni Eareckson Tada is an amazing woman of God who has never received physical healing for her paraplegia. However, she has given hope and help to nearly one billion people around the world who live with disabilities.

Each family has a volunteer to help with their loved ones all week long. Many families have never taken a vacation in their entire life and everything in their life revolves around keeping their loved ones alive and with their 24/7 care.

I will never forget the absolute thrill and joy as I heard people in wheelchairs and with all kinds of physical brokenness sing, clap, and dance to the song, “We Will Dance”. We were lifted to another place entirely as we saw their absolute passion and love for God.

The book of Song of Solomon has been called a Christian’s Love Song. In a time and age where the female’s voice was rarely heard and her needs were rarely even thought of, we hear the voice of the bride throughout this entire book. She is stating her longings, needs, passions, and desires…

This book uses Middle Eastern language and imagery to communicate this to us visually.

She so longs to be truly completely loved for who she is… faults, weaknesses, and all.

Will everyone in life achieve a perfect “crush” of a love like this in their lifetime?

The Jewish tradition would say, “YES” as their tradition is to see this as an allegory of the relationship between God and the people of Israel rather than just as a poem about human love.

They see the love between the bride as an illustration between Jehovah and His people. Moreover, Solomon as a lover was a type of Christ which is why this can be a perfect love story. Humans don’t make perfect love stories very well…

Even before the Jewish people knew the Messiah, they knew to include this book in their celebration of Passover because they knew the groom was coming…

It is interesting that Jesus' first miracle was at a wedding. He celebrated and tied the theme of marriage together with God’s plan for HIS bride…

In the gospel of John, John the Baptist speaks of Jesus as the bridegroom and mentions the bride.

When asked why the disciples are not fasting Jesus replies, “Can the friends of the bridegroom fast, as long as the bridegroom is with them? But the days will come, when the bridegroom shall be taken from them, and then shall they fast.” (Mark 2:19)

In this passage, Jesus clearly points to himself as the bridegroom.

Jesus also tells a parable about The Ten Virgins, “Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went out to meet the bridegroom. Five were foolish and five were wise. The five who were foolish didn’t take enough olive oil for their lamps, but the other five were wise enough to take along extra oil. When the bridegroom was delayed, they all became drowsy and fell asleep…. So you, too, must keep watch! For you do not know the day or hour of my return.” (Mt. 25: 1-13)

The earliest Christian tradition identifies texts from the Hebrew Bible as symbolic of the divine love of God and his people. The love poems of Song of Songs, Hosea, and his wayward bride were plainly understood by all of Israel to be about them. They were the “wayward bride”.

“Oh we will dance on the streets that are golden. The glorious bride and the great Son of Man. Let every tongue and tribe and nation. Rejoice in the song of the Lamb.” (We will dance)

Yes, the theme of ‘The Bride” and “Bridegroom run like a song of desire and celebration throughout the entire Bible…The verses are added but the chorus remains the same…yet, growing in intensity.

The apostle Paul also compares the union of husband and wife to that of Christ and the church,

“For husbands, this means love your wives, just as Christ loved the church. He gave up his life for her to make her holy and clean, washed by the cleansing of God’s word. He did this to present her to himself as a glorious church without a spot or wrinkle or any other blemish. Instead, she will be holy and without fault. In the same way, husbands ought to love their wives as they love their own bodies. For a man who loves his wife actually shows love for himself. No one hates his own body but feeds and cares for it, just as Christ cares for the church. And we are members of his body.” (Ephesians 5:25-30)

Do we understand God’s message to us today?

We are his pure spotless bride and Christ will return for his Church. Are we pure, passionate, and prepared for his return?

Even so come, Lord Jesus, Come!

“I am my beloved’s, and his desire is for me.”-- The Bride (SO 7:10)

Accountability: Covering All the Bases

2 CORINTHIANS 8:16-24

(September 6)

For those of us who have ever been the "money person", we know the importance of accountability. If you have ever volunteered as treasurer of a club or worked as the bookkeeper of an organization or business, or been the one selling tickets for an event, you know that record-keeping is crucial.

Nothing causes discord amongst people more than misappropriation of money. The way to avoid that is to be sure you have absolute accountability for the money that you handle... more than one person counting, detailed paperwork to back up your numbers, detailed reports handed out and gone over, and deposit slips that match the amounts listed.

All of this is so important in maintaining your integrity and assuring you don't get accused of any misconduct. Paul is very aware of this as he writes to the Corinthians.

He has collected quite a sum of money from them, and the Macedonian churches, and Titus is on his way to collect even more. Paul knows that his critics will take advantage of any opportunity to accuse him for anything.

His absolute honesty to God wasn't enough. He knew it was also very important that he be honest with the people. He didn't want them to think he had done anything with the money other than what it was meant for. So instead of him taking it to Jerusalem, he had Titus be the carrier.

This was a good choice, because the Corinthians not only loved Titus, but they also trusted him wholeheartedly.

To take it even a step further, Paul asked that the Macedonian churches also choose a couple of men to take the journey with Titus, adding even more accountability to the process.

Paul covered all his bases when it came to getting that money to Jerusalem. He protected not only the money, but also his reputation. He honored God and he honored the people. He was humble enough to let others come in and take over what he had started, without being prideful or needing to be the one who was in control. This, in itself, is a great component of accountability.

First Love

One Year Bible (Sep. 6)

Song of Songs 1:1-4:15

First Love

“I am my beloved’s and his desire is for me.”-- The Bride (SO 7:10)

“Song of Songs” or “The Song of Solomon” is a very unique book that only mentions the word, “God” one time, sort of….Most commentaries will then say that the books of Esther and Song of Songs do not contain any reference to God and yet they are included in the Bible.

Song of Songs 8:6 says, “Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm, for love, is strong as death, jealousy is fierce as the grave. Its flashes are flashes of fire, the very flame of the LORD.” (ESV) Other translations translate this last phrase as “it is a blazing flame”.

The “Song of Solomon” is also unusual and unique because it would include an “R” rating if it was a movie. Perhaps you remember the movie that came out with the story of Hosea and Gomer in the theatres. Some Christians did not want to attend that movie although the theme pretty much captured the content of the Bible passage.

So, what are we to make of this book and why was it included in the canon of scripture?

The most important question that I asked was, “What does this passage mean to the Jewish community and how do they view it?”

The Jewish people know so much of the history of the Old Testament that we can not begin to understand or know how it applies. They had the Jewish rabbis teach them the inner workings of the laws of the Lord.

As a New Testament believer, I am not bound or under the law, but I can certainly learn a lot about the heritage of my faith and where it came from by learning from God’s chosen people.

Before we look at what the Jewish interpretation of this book is, I will tell you right up front that many teachers of our day such as Chuck Swindoll and many others take this book at “face value” about human love.

You will definitely find different views, but I will share with you what has swayed my viewpoint concerning interpretation. You can read it both ways and decide…

Song of Songs is part of what is known as the wisdom literature of the Hebrew Bible and is called, “Song of Solomon” in the King James version because it was authored by King Solomon.

Here is the first reason why I believe that the “Song of Songs” is more than just a story of love between a bride and a bridegroom. Do you know that during the Shabbat of Passover it is customary to read this “love song” each and every year?

In Jewish tradition, since Passover marks the time when their “romance” with God officially began, they choose to begin their celebration with a reading of this book.

Secondly, why do they consider this the greatest of Solomon’s songs and call it the “Song of Songs”? The greatest love known to man can only be the love of God. Human love can not be greater than his other songs that are about God. That wouldn’t make sense.

Solomon was very wise and thoroughly studied Egyptian poetry, and his poetic writing follows that style. He likens the feelings of love to animals and nature in keeping with his learning.

You only need to read the book of Ecclesiastes to see that this book is not in keeping with his own personal relationships. “Enjoy life with your wife, whom you love, all the days of this meaningless life…” (9:9)

King Solomon was certainly looking for more meaning… a Pure, Passionate, Holy Love!

I must admit that my bias as I began this book is in taking marriage advice from a man who had 1000 women and built idols to follow their misdirected leadings. This was a big roadblock for me…So, I knew that I needed to dig a little bit deeper as it is included in the Bible for a reason.

Although God was never mentioned in the book of Esther, we could see “His fingers running throughout the message of deliverance”. I would suggest that although we do not see mention of the name of God in the book of “Song of Songs” yet, we can see “God’s heartbeat for HIS perfect Bride, the Church” running through this entire book.

What does the Bible tell us about “the bride” and marriage?

Is the marriage relationship exclusive or inclusive of God?

“God created male and female in HIS image and HE blessed them and told them to be fruitful and multiply. (Gen. 1:27)

From creation, God was to be man’s first love and HE created man and woman to bear his likeness, love, and lineage…This theme runs from the very beginning (Genesis) to the end of the Bible (Revelation). That was the beginning. Now let’s look at the ending…

“For I have against you that you have abandoned your FIRST LOVE.” (Rev. 2:4)

As you read this book filled with longing, passion, and desire, can you honestly say that you are searching for God like a bride for her beloved?

“But you walked away from your first love--Why? What’s going on with you, anyway? Do you have any idea how far you’ve fallen?... Turn back! Recover your dear early love.”

(Rev. 2:4-5, MSG)

REMEMBER YOUR FIRST LOVE!

Finishing What You Started

I am a completer of tasks. If I have something that I am working on, I like to see it finished. (Well ... except for the novel I seem to never get finished.) If I say I am going to do something for someone, I make sure to get it done. If I make a plan, I like to see it carried out. Or if I decide I want to add some component to my daily life, I do my best to stick with it. (Like this weight loss/healthier eating adventure I have been on since last November.)

I know others who are the exact opposite. They say they will, but they don't. They say they can, but they won't. And while this would drive me crazy, to them it seems to be no problem. To each his own, I guess.

Aren't you so glad God is a God of his word? He never backs down from that word. He is constant in everything. One scripture I love to think on, because I know he will follow through, is Philippians 4:19:

And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.

What does that mean, exactly? This scripture tells us that God is going to supply everything we need (not want). He is going to do that according to his riches. We all know that he owns the cattle on a thousand hills, so his riches far surpass anything we can imagine. There is no limit to his riches.

The fact that he will give these riches out of his glory in Christ Jesus means that it is through Jesus and because of Jesus that we have access to the Father.

Can you imagine that kind of giving? Let me give you an example ... Suppose I win the Mega Lottery (which would be a miracle in itself because I don't buy tickets.) I have my $650 million in my purse as I am walking down the sidewalk. I see a homeless family sitting huddled under the shade on the side of the street. They have nothing ... no car, no food, no home, NOTHING.

I can offer to take them to the local Golden Arches for some Bid Macs and Happy Meals. That would be nice of me, and I would be meeting a need. But I would hardly be giving "according to my riches." There is so much more I could do for them from what I have.

But if I took that family and found them a place to live, bought them clothing and household supplies, got them a decent car, and filled their pantry with groceries, then I would be doing a little better job of meeting their needs "according to my riches."

But could I do more for them with what I have? Absolutely! I could set up a bank account, help them find jobs, put aside college tuition for the kids, and make sure they have good health insurance.

Now I am meeting even more of their needs. And I will still have enough money to not only provide for myself and my own family, but to help others as well.

This is what Paul is telling the believers in Corinth in this portion of his letter. They had been the ones to originally want to give to the believers who were struggling in Jerusalem. It had been their idea and they had been eager to give.

But now it seems they have slacked off. They didn't finish the task. The churches in Macedonia have picked up the slack and are giving generously and with true hearts to give. Paul is challenging, not commanding, that the Corinthians get back in the race, with generosity in their hearts, and finish what they started.

He spelled it out like this:

Each person should follow through on their previous promise

Each person should give as much as they are able

Each person should decide for themselves how much to give

Each person should give in proportion to what God has given them

Paul wants them to give generously, but not to the point where their families have to go without. And he reminds them that the attitude in which they give is very important. (Do you remember the story of the widow with two mites?) It is not just the size of the gift, but the heart in which it was given that God is concerned with.

This same rule of thumb applies to us today. We are to give ... of our time, our talents, and our finances. We are to give according to what we can give, and we are to do so with a grateful heart. It should be our heart's desire to further the Kingdom of God through our giving.

This applies not only in our churches, but in our communities. What ministries can you support that are making a difference in the world? Are there struggling families in your neighborhood who could use a helping hand? The needs are all around us, if we just look with open eyes and generous hearts.

And as we do this, we make good on our promise of finishing the race.

Simple Wisdom: Decisions Determine Destiny

One Year Bible (Sep. 5)

Ecclesiastes 10:1-12:14

Decisions Determine Destiny

Forrest Gump: “What’s my destiny, Mama?”

Mrs. Gump: “You’re going to have to figure that out for yourself.”

Can you relate to Solomon’s struggle with “Chasing the Wind”?

Why do you think that God gave Solomon great wisdom but also wealth and fame?

Perhaps, God gave him more than he ever could possibly need so that he could share with us this message of “Vanity and Meaningless”!

He was a living lesson that wealth is not the key to happiness. Wisdom is not the key to peace, and fame is not the key to security. He was certainly living “high on the hog” but his spirit was very low after everything was said and done. He had more than he could possibly want but not what he truly needed!

There is another quote from Forrest Gump that I really like, “There’s only so much fortune a man needs, and the rest is just for showing off.”

Yesterday I shared with you the visual of all of my parent’s belongings laying out on the pavement of their driveway. That was a sobering picture for me and a reminder that we can’t take all of our “stuff with us”.

That thought brought Solomon to despair because when he came to the end of his life he “blew it” spiritually and it cost him the kingdom. All of his life’s work was for nothing! The temple, palace, and city would be in RUIN!

Can you imagine a man who “HAS IT ALL” being “Empty”? TRAGIC!

Can you comprehend a famous person with all fame, prestige, and wealth, killing themself? Tragically, it happens so often…That is Solomon’s stern warning to us.

We shake our heads with disbelief and somehow hold to the illusion that if we could just win “The Lottery Dream Home” all our troubles would go away… Solomon reminds us that “EVERYTHING WILL GO AWAY”, but that won’t include our troubles.

Solomon is here to share with us a truth that God allowed him to experience. He was given all wisdom, wealth, and fame and it was NEVER ENOUGH. Not for Solomon or even for famous, rich, stars of our time.

Solomon found a lot of self-satisfaction in his fame as a builder. He built the temple and the greatest palace ever, and then he kept right on building…idols for his foreign wives and destruction for his soul. He was certainly “Chasing the Wind”.

He was not building an eternal destiny with God; he was building “to the wind”...

Let’s go back and look at one of the most important passages in Ecclesiastes.

“Two people are better off than ONE, for they can help each other SUCCEED. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.” (4:9-12)

This passage reframes SUCCESS for us, doesn’t it?

Solomon had 1000 women in his palace that were his, but who did he belong to that encouraged him to be accountable to God? Who did he invest his life in?

This leads me to a question that all mankind must answer, “What do we really need, and what would ever be enough”?

Perhaps you have read studies about the basic needs of mankind. There are different variations on this seem theme.

First, we need safety and security. (Food, water, clothing, sleep, shelter)

Secondly, every person needs love and connection.

Thirdly, we need a sense of belonging, and to be part of a community.

Fourth, we need esteem and respect. (Our life matters.)

Lastly, we need a purpose that involves development, expansion, and contribution).

Let’s look at how our essential needs are met through “New Testament Eyes”. God offers all of our essential needs to be met through the gift of redemption through His Son, His bride the church, and the gift of the Holy Spirit.

Solomon didn’t know of an afterlife and a HOPE for all eternity but we as Christians do know of our eternal destiny. God not only meets our needs on earth but will transform us from glory to glory. We don’t have to worry about leaving our little “mansion” down here, because we are going to live in a mansion and walk on the streets of gold.

Our destiny is HEAVEN, and this understanding changes EVERYTHING!

There is a song by the 2nd Chapter of Acts that has always stuck deep in my heart because it poses an important question, “You don’t know which way the wind blows. So, how can you plan tomorrow?” (Which Way the Wind Blows)

What everyday choices will we make that determine our destiny?

“For they sew to the wind, and they shall reap the whirlwind.”

(Hosea 8:7)

Thank you Mighty King Solomon and Simple Forrest Gump for important life lessons!

Simple Wisdom…Decisions Determine Destiny!