Pursuit

Readings for today: 1 Kings 9, 2 Chronicles 8, Proverbs 25-26

There’s a great line in Psalm 23 that says, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” I thought about that line this morning as I read how the Lord once again appeared to Solomon. The Hebrew that is translated “follow me” in the Psalm actually conveys a much stronger meaning. It literally means “pursue me” or “chase me.” It’s not just a passive following but an active pursuit that refuses to let go. Think about it. The goodness and mercy of God chasing me all the days of my life until I find myself dwelling in the house of the Lord in eternity. That about sums up Solomon’s life. It also can sum up our lives as well.

Listen again to what God says to Solomon. For at least the third or fourth time if you’ve been counting. “The Lord said to him: I have heard your prayer and petition you have made before me. I have consecrated this temple you have built, to put my name there forever; my eyes and my heart will be there at all times. As for you, if you walk before me as your father David walked, with a heart of integrity and in what is right, doing everything I have commanded you, and if you keep my statutes and ordinances, I will establish your royal throne over Israel forever, as I promised your father David: You will never fail to have a man on the throne of Israel.” (1 Kings‬ ‭9‬:‭3‬-‭5‬ ‭CSB‬‬) It’s truly astounding when you stop to think about it. The Lord of the universe humbling Himself to consecrate the Temple Solomon built. Putting His name there. Always keeping His eyes on it. Placing His heart there. Kind of reminds me of Jesus’ words about where our treasure is, there our hearts will be also. The people of God are God’s treasured possession. They are His chosen people. They are His royal priesthood. As such, God puts His heart where His treasure is which is why He comes to dwell with His people. It’s why He calls Solomon to be faithful. He doesn’t want what is happening here at the beginning, at the Temple, to ever end.

There’s a famous story in my church about a previous beloved pastor who had a huge heart for lost people. He and a friend were eating lunch one day at a local restaurant and started talking to their server about faith. It was clear the server didn’t believe. Didn’t come from a Christian background. And this broke the heart of the pastor. As he paid his bill at the cashier, he asked to see the server. When the server came out, he grabbed his hand, looked him in the eye, and said, “God is going to pursue you with His relentless love until the day you die.” Honestly, it kind of freaked the server out but the truth of his words remains. God pursues us with His faithful love until the day we die. He pursued Solomon. He pursued Israel. He pursues me. He’s pursuing you. Turn to Him. Walk in His ways. Live with a heart of integrity and do what is right and godly and you will find goodness and mercy and blessing following you all the days of your life.

Readings for tomorrow: No devotionals on Sundays

Hallelujah

Readings for today: Psalms 146-150

Hallelujah. Literally, “God be praised.” A transliteration of the original Hebrew. “Hallel” meaning a joyful song of praise to the Lord and “Yah” a shortened form of Yahweh. It is a word that cannot be translated. It transcends every language group across the earth. No matter where you go - and I’ve been a lot of different places - all Christians everywhere know this word. Hallelujah appears thirty times in the Bible and almost all of the instances are in the Psalms. In our reading today, each of the Psalms begins and ends with the word, “Hallelujah” as the Psalmist directs God’s people to praise the Lord.

Hallelujah is not just a song we sing. It is a state of the heart. Our hearts should continually be singing hallelujah to the Lord. Every day when we wake up, we should sing hallelujah for another day. Every night when we go to sleep we should sing hallelujah for the things the Lord did in and through us that particular day. Read through the Psalms again. Pay attention to all the things the Psalmist praises God for. His nature and character. His actions throughout human history. His particular care of the poor and powerless. One gets the sense that the list is endless. One could easily spend an entire lifetime or more finding things to sing hallelujah for to the Lord.

When was the last time you sat down and spent some time reflecting on the nature and character of God? Revealed in creation. Revealed in redemption. Promised in the future consummation of all things. When was the last time you spent time pondering the amazing grace of God and his boundless mercy? Think of how much He cares for the widow and orphan, the poor and powerless, and all those who are downtrodden in our world. Think of how much He cares for humanity despite the magnitude of her sin. Think of how much He cares for the world in which we live and move and have our being. When was the last time you wrote down all the things God has done for you over the course of your life? The ways God has been at work? The miracles you have seen? I would encourage you to not only write these things down but also sing hallelujah over them. Praise God for them.

Praise has a way of shifting our heart and perspective. It drives out the darkness and depression and despair. It also is contagious. It lifts up those around us. It draws them into a posture of praise and thanksgiving. It’s why singing hallelujah with God’s people during worship is such a moving experience. It stirs the soul. And God wants us to have this experience. God wants us to know the joy that comes from having a heart full of praise. This is why He meets us in a powerful way when we worship Him in spirit and in truth.

Readings for tomorrow: 1 Kings 9, 2 Chronicles 8, Proverbs 25-26

Hesed

Readings for today: 2 Chronicles 4-7, Psalms 134, 136

Hesed. God’s eternal, faithful love. This is the love that delivered Israel from all her enemies. This is the love that established Israel in the land. This is the love that put David and his son, Solomon, on the throne. The Temple was built to be the embodiment of love. It was built to remind Israel of God’s love. It was built as a celebration of God’s love. It’s why, once the Temple was complete and the glory of the Lord filled the Holy of Holies, the people cried out, “For He is good; His faithful love (His hesed) endures forever.” It’s why the Psalmist composes Psalm 136 as a song of praise for God’s faithful love. I know sometimes we don’t like to sing songs with the choruses over and over again but this didn’t seem to bother the Psalmist! Not when the subject was God’s hesed! God’s faithful love.

The Hebrew word, hesed, conveys a deep sense of connection. A faithfulness that will never end. It is eternal. It is forever. Nothing can break it. Nothing can defeat it. Not even Israel’s sin. Yes, God promises that if the people of Israel turn away from Him that He will judge them with righteousness and send them into exile but when they repent, His faithful love will always bring them back home. Restore them to their former place. Return them to the Land and renew the covenantal relationship He has always had with them. The faithful love of God is why we can always hold onto hope. No matter how dark things get. No matter how hard things get. No matter what life may throw at us. God’s love never ends. God’s love always holds. God’s love never fails. As the Apostle Paul says in 1 Corinthians 13:7, “God’s love bears all things. Believes all things. Hopes all things. Endures all things. It never fails.”

So where do you find yourself today? What challenges did you wake up to this morning? What obstacles in your life are you working to overcome? What is the state of your heart? Are you following Christ or do you find yourself far from Him? Are you on the narrow road to salvation or have you taken a step off onto the wide path that leads to judgment? No matter where you find yourself, know that God loves you and is waiting for you to repent and turn back to Him. He is waiting to welcome you not with condemnation but with His eternal, faithful love.

Readings for tomorrow: Psalms 146-150

Relationship

Readings for today: 1 Kings 7-8, Psalms 11

What does it mean to be in relationship with God? I’ve been helping some people in my life wrestle with this idea lately. We’ve been having lots of conversations about God and what and why to believe. Over and over again, they keep coming back to religion. They talk about God as an abstract, philosophical idea. They talk about codes of ethics. They talk about laws and rules and expectations. And they struggle because they cannot imagine aligning their life along these lines. It feels arbitrary. Coercive. Sometimes even abusive. One of them was at least honest with me and said, “You know I’m pretty much anti-authority, right?”

My response in these conversations is to try to reframe their thinking around relationship. If our connection to God is mediated through religion then I can understand their objections. Why would anyone want to submit their life to a set of rules that limits their freedoms? That doesn’t have much appeal to me either. But what if our connection to God was mediated through a relationship? What if God was good and loving and could be trusted to know what’s best for us? Wouldn’t that change things?

This is the heart behind Solomon’s great prayer of dedication. Yes, there were a lot of rules and rituals associated with Temple worship but at it’s foundation is a covenantal relationship with the Living God. You see this mapped out in the different examples Solomon cites from everyday life when he prays…

“When a man sins against his neighbor and is forced to take an oath, and he comes to take an oath before your altar in this temple, may you hear in heaven and act. May you judge your servants, condemning the wicked man by bringing what he has done on his own head and providing justice for the righteous by rewarding him according to his righteousness.” (1 Kings‬ ‭8‬:‭31‬-‭32‬ ‭CSB‬‬)

“When your people Israel are defeated before an enemy, because they have sinned against you, and they return to you and praise your name, and they pray and plead with you for mercy in this temple, may you hear in heaven and forgive the sin of your people Israel. May you restore them to the land you gave their ancestors.” (1 Kings‬ ‭8‬:‭33‬-‭34‬ ‭CSB‬‬‬‬)

“When the skies are shut and there is no rain, because they have sinned against you, and they pray toward this place and praise your name, and they turn from their sins because you are afflicting them, may you hear in heaven and forgive the sin of your servants and your people Israel, so that you may teach them to walk on the good way. May you send rain on your land that you gave your people for an inheritance.” (1 Kings‬ ‭8‬:‭35‬-‭36‬ ‭CSB‬‬)

“When there is famine in the land, when there is pestilence, when there is blight or mildew, locust or grasshopper, when their enemy besieges them in the land and its cities, when there is any plague or illness, every prayer or petition that any person or that all your people Israel may have — they each know their own affliction — as they spread out their hands toward this temple, may you hear in heaven, your dwelling place, and may you forgive, act, and give to everyone according to all their ways, since you know each heart, for you alone know every human heart, so that they may fear you all the days they live on the land you gave our ancestors.” (1 Kings‬ ‭8‬:‭37‬-‭40‬ ‭CSB‬‬‬‬)

Clearly, Solomon has more in view than just religion here. He believes with His whole heart that God Himself has come to dwell with His people. Come to meet with His people face to face. Come to show His great love to His people in person. It’s a powerful prayer and an even more powerful way to think about faith in God. Faith in God is not a commitment to certain ethical code. It is not a belief in an abstract set of theological principles. It is the most intimate relationship we can have in this life because we are relating to the same God who shaped and formed us in our mother’s wombs. The same God who loved us and called us by name from eternity. The same God who bled and died for us on the cross. The same God who rose again to open the way to heaven. The same God who’s coming again to claim His own, set all things right, and make all things new. This is the God we worship and adore and He invites us into His presence so we can know Him and love Him and worship Him.

Readings for tomorrow: 2 Chronicles 4-7, Psalms 134, 136

Temple

Readings for today: 1 Kings 5-6, 2 Chronicles 2-3

There is little direct archeological evidence for the existence of Solomon’s Temple. This is mainly due to the ban on excavations on the Temple Mount since it is a holy site for Islam. However, there is plenty of circumstantial evidence that exists. The Western Wall is the retaining wall built during that period by Solomon so he could flatten the top of the mount and build upon it. On the Eastern Wall of the Temple Mount, there are stones dating back to the First Temple period. An ancient gate house has been discovered in front of the Temple Mount that guarded something sacred on top. And perhaps most persuasive of all are the discoveries made during the Temple Mount Sifting Project which combed through some 9000 tons of dirt that was illegally removed from the Temple Mount by Islamic authorities using heavy equipment and without any concern for its archeological significance. The debris was dumped unceremoniously into the Kidron Valley, among other places, and included bits of pottery, coins, tools, and animal bones from the First Temple period.

Solomon’s Temple would have been a wonder of the ancient world. As such, the temptation would be to worship the structure itself rather than see it as a means to a much greater end. As beautiful as the Temple must have been, it could not contain the fullness of God’s glory. As much as it represented the house of the Lord, it was not God’s permanent residence. God was not trapped there. God did not live there. Perhaps this is why the Lord offers a warning to Solomon even in the midst of his greatest building project. “As for this temple you are building, if you walk in my statutes, observe my ordinances, and keep all my commands by walking in them, I will fulfill my promise to you, which I made to your father David. I will dwell among the Israelites and not abandon my people Israel.” (1 Kings‬ ‭6‬:‭11‬-‭13‬ ‭CSB‬‬) The key here is not the nature of the building itself but the life Solomon and his people will lead. If they are faithful to obey the Lord and walk in His ways, He will be faithful to fulfill His promise to them and never abandon them.

God always fulfills His promises. Even when we inevitably sin and fall short. Falter in our steps. Fail to observe His commands. He remains faithful. The story of the Old Testament is the story of a God who refuses to abandon His people despite their rebellion and sin. He refuses to leave them or forsake them. Even when He judges them and sends them into exile, He will go with them, proving to them that the Temple is not His only home. And with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost, God now makes His home in the heart of every single believer. It’s why the Apostle Paul says we are God’s Temple because the Spirit of God lives in us. (1 Corinthians 3:16)

Readings for tomorrow: 1 Kings 7-8, Psalms 11

Abuse of Power

Readings for today: Proverbs 21-24

Several years ago, I spent time with a brilliant leader who worked for the United Nations. He was an indigenous leader in a war-torn country with masters degrees in three different disciplines and the UN had tapped him to help lead their relief efforts in country. He took me out to an internally displaced people’s camp (IDP) to show me the depth of suffering his people were experiencing. They were starving for lack of food. They were dying from preventable disease. They were living in unsanitary conditions. I asked him why the UN allowed such things. He told me it all had to do with power. The particular tribal identity of the people in the IDP camp was associated with the central government which meant they were part of the “oppressor” class. As a result, the UN cut their rations and refused to provide the care and support they needed to survive. Meanwhile, the tribal group who initiated the war and started the rebellion and caused much of the suffering was considered to be part of the “oppressed” class. It didn’t matter that their particular tribe had ruled the country with an iron fist for decades. They had been voted out of power in legitimate elections and therefore were now “oppressed” so they got the bulk of support. When I asked why the UN would take such an approach, the indigenous leader pointed out that as long as conflict continued in his country, the UN could exercise power and control. If peace ever truly broke out, there would be no need for the UN any longer so it actually was in their best interest to fan the flames of tribal enmity. I was stunned at his insight. It was one of the most educational experiences of my life.

Human beings have this innate tendency to abuse power. Evidence abounds from the draconian enforcement of home owner’s associations to the oppressive regulations of local agencies to the social engineering often attempted by legislators at regional and national levels. No matter where you live in the world today, human beings use power to exercise control over those around them. And this is nothing new. Consider what Solomon says in the Book of Proverbs today, “Don’t move an ancient boundary marker, and don’t encroach on the fields of the fatherless, for their Redeemer is strong, and he will champion their cause against you.” (Proverbs‬ ‭23‬:‭10‬-‭11‬ ‭CSB) The powerful will always attempt to take from the powerless. Ancient boundary markers in Israel marked out the inherited territory between the different tribes and even though these boundaries were established by God Himself, it didn’t stop the Israelites from trying to accumulate more territory. Especially from those who may be poor, weak, and unable to defend themselves. But Solomon reminds us that God is always watching and He defends the cause of the powerless. He takes up the cause of those who cannot defend themselves and He will judge those who abuse their power.

All of us exercise some measure of influence and power in our lives. It may be in our homes. It may be in our communities. It may be in our work or at school. It may be in our church or some other social agency we’re part of. Maybe it’s even in government. God expects us to use our power to serve. To bless. To lift up those who cannot lift up themselves. It is not to be used to benefit ourselves nor are we to exercise power in a way that privileges one class of people over another. We must always remember that is the Redeemer of those He entrusts into our care and He will champion their cause.

Readings for tomorrow: 1 Kings 5-6, 2 Chronicles 2-3

Discernment

Readings for today: Proverbs 17-20

The truth is almost impossible to discern these days. Every news story has an angle. Every commentator has an agenda. Every social media post has a slant. All of them designed for a particular audience. Just about every day, I scan the headlines of the BBC, CNN, and FoxNews. I read the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times. I scroll through Twitter where I intentionally follow a diverse group of people from across the social, political, and religious spectrum. And while my sample size isn’t all that big, it’s also not small and the thing I’ve learned over the years is never take anything at face value. Make sure you try to listen and understand all the perspectives in play on a particular issue before you draw any conclusions.

The same is true for our interpersonal interactions. I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve been asked to intervene in a conflict between spouses, parents and children, leaders in a church, business associates, even groups of friends. As I listen to the different parties, I often wonder if they’re talking the same incident? Their perspectives can be so different. Their individual points of view filtered through all kinds of internal biases, not to mention the warping effect of self-righteousness and sin. This is why it is essential to make time to listen to all parties. Get all the information on the table. Make sure everyone feels heard and valued. Only then can one begin to talk about forgiveness and reconciliation. Where did I learn all this from? King Solomon. Listen to how he puts it,

“The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him.” (Proverbs‬ ‭18‬:‭17‬ ‭CSB‬‬)

We have a tendency to believe the first thing we hear especially if it comes from a member of our tribe or someone we have a personal relationship with. We rush to take sides in a conflict. We are so quick to judge and condemn. We see it in politics. We see it in society. We see it in the church. Think of the animosity that exists between our different political parties or different ethnic groups or different economic classes. It even spills over into the church. I think of a recent case here in Colorado where a group of pastors began attacking their colleagues across the state for not joining them on a particular crusade. It wasn’t that other pastors weren’t engaged, it’s that they didn’t engage the way this particular group wanted them to. And therein lies our problem. We assume the worst of each other. We accuse each other of operating in bad faith. We only consider the evidence that fits our particular narrative. It’s a vicious cycle that can only end one way. Division. Conflict. Even violence. Hatred and outrage ratcheting up to dangerous levels. Because there can be no compromise with the enemy. The only good and just and righteous thing to do is destroy them.

“The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him.” As Christians, we are called to discern the truth. We must reject falsehoods or half-truths of any kind. We are not given the option to embrace only that which supports our particular tribal narrative. We must never operate in underhanded, manipulative, deceitful ways. We must take all the evidence into account. We must walk with complete honesty and transparency before the Lord and before the world. We listen before we speak. We make a complete investigation before we draw any conclusions. We never assume. And we always try to engage in good faith and with the best intentions.

Readings for tomorrow: No devotionals on Sundays

Words

Readings for today: Proverbs 13-16

I am once again heading to a national denominational meeting in a couple of weeks. I do this every summer. Always on the third week of June. Most of the time, I look forward to the meeting. It’s a great chance to catch up with friends and colleagues from across the country. I love the sense of shared purpose and mission we’ve had over the years. I love the way we have tried to find unity in the essentials of the faith and given each other freedom in the non-essentials. However, in recent years, the mood has changed. Divisions have emerged as we tackle difficult issues. There is a lot of frustration, confusion, and even anger. Backchannel conversations are taking place. Battle lines are forming. Political maneuvering has taken the place of discernment. The tension is rising. It’s spilling over online and in person. Several pastors and churches have made good on their threat to leave the denomination and several more may be on there way out. It’s heartbreaking to witness.

As I prepare for the meeting, I find myself praying we would take a step back and follow the advice of Solomon. Humble ourselves before the Lord and each other - as we promised in our ordination vows - and speak gently and kindly and lovingly to one another. Here are just a few verses from today’s reading that come to mind…

“A gentle answer turns away anger, but a harsh word stirs up wrath.”

“The tongue that heals is a tree of life, but a devious tongue breaks the spirit.”

“The lips of the wise broadcast knowledge, but not so the heart of fools.”

‭‭(Proverbs‬ ‭15‬:‭1‬, ‭4‬, ‭7‬ ‭CSB‬‬)

Sadly, these things are in short supply these days, even in the church. Gentleness is not considered a virtue but a vice. It is despised as people seem to prefer harsh accusations as they seek to tear down those with whom they disagree. A tongue that heals is considered weak and compromised. Much better to have a devious tongue when one is engaged in a fight. We no longer seem to be interested in broadcasting knowledge, much less wisdom, but instead delight in deceit. All of this flows from a heart that is far more interested in perpetuating conflict than pursuing peace. A heart that is more interested in winning a fight rather than winning another person’s heart. A heart that is arrogantly convinced of its own self-righteousness rather than humble enough to acknowledge it could be wrong.

Solomon’s words apply to every relationship in life, of course. I have seen marriages saved as couples commit to speaking words of healing rather than words of hurt to each other. I have seen friendships reconciled as people work through their differences with gentleness and respect. I have seen communities revive as leaders recommit themselves to the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom and push back against the rising tide of misinformation and disinformation that seems to clog the airwaves these days. But, as Jesus says, out of the heart the mouth speaks. So the most important thing to ponder today is the state of your heart. To give a gentle answer, one must have a gentle heart. To speak words of healing, one must have a heart that is healed. To broadcast knowledge, one must love knowledge and seek knowledge. Ask the Spirit to give you this heart so you might speak these words to those you love and live among.

Readings for tomorrow: Proverbs 17-20

Wisdom vs. Folly

Readings for today: Proverbs 9-12

Proverbs 9 is a favorite of mine. Probably because it is so clear and direct. The contrast between wisdom and folly could not be more clear. Live your life according to God’s wisdom and it will - generally speaking - head one direction. Live your life according to human wisdom, otherwise known as folly, and it will head a different direction. The first road leads to blessing. The second road leads to destruction. The first road is filled with all kinds of meaning and purpose. The second road is filled with sin and self-indulgence. The first road leads to a deep, intimate relationship with God. The second road leads down to the Pit, down to Sheol.

Before I became a Christian, I dwelt in Folly’s house. I was foolish and gullible. I was enslaved to my desires. I was a drunk. I was lazy. I lived only for myself and only for the moment. The further down that road I went, the worse things got for me. I was depressed. Anxious and afraid. I could see my life was headed to down to the depths of Sheol. But I had no way out. Everywhere I turned, there was a dead end. Then I met Jesus. And I accepted His gracious invitation to become part of His family. He surrounded me with all kinds of people who prayed for me and ministered to me and mentored me. They taught me how to live according to God’s wisdom. They taught me how to be intentional about my life. They showed me what the “fear of the Lord” looked like in real, everyday life. And I was hooked. My life began to turn around. My hopes and dreams returned. I humbly submitted to their teaching. I accepted their rebukes when I sinned. I gained wisdom slowly over time and my life became filled with blessing. I have never looked back. Not even for a moment. I have never longed to return to my old ways because the way of Jesus is so much more glorious and beautiful and true.

Both women in Proverbs 9 issue the same invitation. “Whoever is inexperienced, enter here!” They both call to the simple. To the one who lacks understanding. To the one who is searching. And both make the same promise. They promise satisfaction. They promise the fulfillment of all your desires. The difference is in the path they offer. Wisdom offers the path of self-discipline, correction, and instruction. She offers a life lived under the fear of the Lord. Folly, on the other hand, offers self-indulgence, instant gratification, and laziness. She offers a life lived under the power of sin. Take the first path and your days will be long and years will be added to your life and you will be blessed. Take the second path and your days will be short and years will be stolen from your life and you will be cursed.

Readings for tomorrow: Proverbs 13-16

Company

Readings for today: Proverbs 1-4

None of us is an island. None of us “does life” on our own. We are shaped profoundly by the company we keep. Our families of origin. The friends we hang out with. The professional relationships we develop. The clubs we join. The churches we attend. We are all products of the human system and the human system is fundamentally communal. I think about when my children were younger. My wife and I talked to them at length about their friends. We encouraged them to be wise in who they chose to spend time with. When they chose poorly, they suffered the consequences. When they chose wisely, they benefited tremendously. The same is true for all of us no matter how old or young we may be.

None of this is new, of course, and it’s why Solomon encourages his own son to beware of bad company. “My son, if sinners entice you,  don’t be persuaded. If they say, “Come with us! Let’s set an ambush  and kill someone. Let’s attack some innocent person just for fun! Let’s swallow them alive, like Sheol, whole, like those who go down to the Pit. We’ll find all kinds of valuable property and fill our houses with plunder. Throw in your lot with us, and we’ll all share the loot”, my son, don’t travel that road with them or set foot on their path, because their feet run toward evil and they hurry to shed blood. It is useless to spread a net where any bird can see it, but they set an ambush to kill themselves; they attack their own lives. Such are the paths of all who make profit dishonestly; it takes the lives of those who receive it.”(Proverbs‬ ‭1‬:‭10‬-‭19‬ ‭CSB‬‬) It’s the practical application of Psalm 1 which talks about not walking in the counsel of the ungodly or standing in the path of sinners or sitting in the seat of mockers. The world is full of all kinds of enticements. All kinds of temptations. It’s so easy to compromise here or there. Indulge just a little. But that road only leads to self-destruction. It steals life rather than gives it.

Much better to trust God. Much better to seek His wisdom. Much better to surround yourself with godly people and wise counselors. Much better to walk in the fear of the Lord. When we seek God’s ways above our own ways, it leads to blessing. We receive life rather than lose it. The community around us is lifted up. I think of the men and women I just spent two weeks training in Africa. Part of their work is agricultural sustainability projects. Farming and animal husbandry. We give them the tools and training and resources necessary to provide food security for themselves with the charge to share what they’ve learned with their neighbors. As a result, thousands and thousands of homes (over 18,000 in just the last year) are now food secure in a very food insecure region of the world. Nutrition and hunger and starvation is being eliminated one village at a time. We call this “redemptive lift” and it is the natural result of the gospel penetrating a community for the first time.

We have the same opportunity over here in our own neighborhoods. All it takes is a little time and intentionality to bring redemptive lift to our neighbors and friends in our community. Where do you start? How about hosting an ice cream social on your driveway and invite all your neighbors? How about putting a fire pit out front with hot chocolate on Halloween for all the trick or treaters and their parents? How about attending a game or a play or a musical at your local middle and high school to support the students? How about volunteering at your local food pantry? It’s not hard to find a way to bring the light of the gospel into your community and give people a chance to be shaped in new and profound ways by the Lord.

Readings for tomorrow: Proverbs 5-8

Knocking

Readings for today: Song of Songs 5:2-16, 6, 7, 8:14, Psalms 45

God is always knocking on the door of our hearts. I think of the well-known verse from Revelation 3:20, “See! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him and he with me.” It’s an open invitation to experience deep fellowship with the Lord. Lesser known, but perhaps even more powerful when couched in the context of an erotic love poem, are the words from Song of Songs. “A sound! My love was knocking! Open to me, my sister, my darling, my dove, my perfect one.” (Song of Songs 5:2 CSB) Here the groom comes for his bride. He comes to experience the deepest intimacy with his beloved. He longs to be with her but sadly, she refuses. She is already washed and ready for bed. She doesn’t want to be inconvenienced. Surely there is plenty of time tomorrow?

Tomorrow isn’t guaranteed. Nor is it guaranteed that God will stand at the door and knock forever. The bride finally decides to get up and answer the door but her love had turned away. He had gone. Her heart sank because he had left. In a panic, she rushes out to search for him. But she did not find him. She cries out to him but he does not answer. Those who do answer her cries beat and abuse her. They care nothing for her. Does any of this feel or sound familiar? How often do we treat our time with God as an inconvenience? How often do we prioritize other things? How often do we refuse to open the door when He knocks? And then what happens? What happens when our worldly priorities can’t satisfy the deepest longings of our hearts? What happens when the world beats us up and abuses us and leaves us hurting in the streets? What happens when God seems absent? Distant? Deaf to our cries? Are we willing to honestly confess our sins and take responsibility for our part in the relationship?

This principle applies to all our relationships in life. How often do our spouses knock on the door of our hearts? How often do our children cry out for our attention? How often do the people we love and live with and live among and work alongside express a need? Are we too busy to answer? Are we too wrapped up in ourselves to pay any attention? Are we in too much of a hurry to slow down and listen? Who is knocking on the door of your heart today?

Readings for tomorrow: Proverbs 1-4

Longing

Readings for today: Song of Songs 1-4, 5:1

The Song of Songs is a strange book. An erotic love poem between a man and a woman. Perhaps Solomon and one of his brides. Perhaps not. Many question how in the world it found itself included within the canon of Scripture. But the people of God have always ascribed a deeper meaning to this poem. Yes, on the surface it depicts an intense intimacy between two lovers but on a deeper, more spiritual level, it depicts an intense longing for God. Perhaps that’s why some Christian traditions read this book as they prepare to celebrate the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper.

The word “yada” in Hebrew means “to know.” And not just know on an intellectual level. It conveys the deepest level of knowing possible. The knowledge that comes from the mingling together of souls. The joining together of two into one. And this is why I believe the Song of Songs is such a powerful book. It is an allegory of the love between God and His people. It describes in great detail the depth and breadth and sweep and scope of God’s love. It is a love that is intimate on every level. It consumes the attention of the beloved. If you are married, think back to when you first were dating. You probably couldn’t stop thinking of the other person. Your love for them was overwhelming. Your desire to be with them was hard to resist. And really, why would you resist? They were the most important person in your life! They were your highest priority. Nothing could ever take their place in your heart. The same should be true in our relationship with God. And it’s why the Apostle Paul talks about marriage as a sign that points to the union between the church and Christ. It’s a reference back to the Song of Songs.

I know this isn’t necessarily a comfortable thought. Mainly because the church has gotten the gift of sex so wrong for so long. Either we treat it as something “dirty” or “unholy” out of fear or we scorn and trivialize it like the culture around us. Either way, we get it all wrong. Sex is a gift given to one man and one woman who commit to living within the covenant of marriage. It is a gift meant to draw us close. Make us one flesh literally if not figuratively. Similarly, when we enter into a covenant with God, we experience the same intimacy. Drawing us close. Making us one with Christ. Take a few minutes and re-read the passage for today. Think about your relationship with Christ. Ask the Holy Spirit to make you one with Him.

Readings for tomorrow: No devotionals on Sundays

The Hope of Eternity

Readings for today: Psalms 119:89-176

“If your instructions had not been my delight, I would have died in my affliction.” This line hit different today. Mainly because I am spending time with brothers and sisters who cling to the Word of God for life. Literally. This is not a metaphor for them. It’s not an abstract philosophical concept. They depend on God for life. They depend on God for daily provision. They depend on God for protection in an area where there is often significant persecution. Salvation, for them, involves the body, mind, heart, and soul. It’s not just a private spiritual experience. And it’s powerful to witness.

As I trained yesterday, I found myself wondering what keeps them going? We are training in almost 100 degree heat in a building with a metal roof which makes it feel like an oven at times. The sun is relentless. It’s the hottest and driest month of the year for them in this part of the country. Some of them travel for days. They sleep on the floors of churches while they are here. All they have are the clothes on their back and their training materials. Some of them are in dangerous areas. They travel through conflict zones. Some of them are persecuted regularly. All of them live in deep, deep poverty. As I listen to their stories, I can hear the incredible faith. They truly believe God is their Protector, Deliverer, and Savior. They truly believe His ways are the highest ways and His law stands eternal and provides a strong foundation for their lives. Their hope is not in the things of this world or in the governments of this world but in heaven itself. It’s powerful to witness.

Spending time with them makes my own time with the Lord sweeter. Jet lag has me rising early in the morning hours. The city is quiet. The hotel lobby is deserted. I can come down and sit with the Lord. People have asked me if God speaks more clearly to me over here. Yes and no. It’s not that God is somehow more clear over here and less clear when I am home, it’s that I’m able to hear more clearly because my life is more free of distraction. My prayers are more focused because there is less noise. My meditation and reflection on God’s Word is more fruitful because my time is less hurried. I am currently making my way home. Pretty soon I will be back into my daily routines. One of the things I always try to do when I get back from a trip is find ways to slow my routine down. Find ways to eliminate distractions. Find ways to spend unhurried time with the Lord. I don’t want to lose the connection I’ve gained by being over here.

Readings for tomorrow: Song of Songs 1-4, 5:1

Ask Anything

Readings for today: 1 Kings 3-4, 2 Chronicles 1, Psalms 72

“At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night, and God said, "Ask. What should I give you?" (1 Kings‬ ‭3:5 CSB‬)

Put yourself in Solomon’s shoes as you read today. You have a glorious vision of God. He literally bends the heavens to come down and enter your dreams as you sleep. He says to you, “What shall I give to you?” “What is it you want?” “Tell me your heart’s desire and I will make it happen.” What would you say? What would you ask for?

Don’t let yourself respond too quickly. Take a moment. Let the Spirit search your heart as you ponder and reflect. As you think, let me encourage you to get in touch with your deepest fears. We all have them. Secret fears we harbor in our hearts that we spend a lifetime running from or protecting ourselves from. So much of how we choose to live our lives is in response to primordial fears we all carry inside. Fear of failure. Fear of not having enough. Fear of being unsafe. Fears for our children or our children’s children. Fear of insignificance. Fear of disease. Fear of death. What do you think Solomon was afraid of? As a young man, he had just inherited a powerful kingdom in the Middle East. Not the safest or calmest place in the world! He was surrounded by powerful neighbors with powerful armies. He faced enemies both at home and abroad. As fabulous as his wealth was, it was fleeting in the ancient world. It could be here today and gone tomorrow. There was no FDIC to guarantee his money. His people were looking to him for guidance and wisdom. What if he failed? What if he couldn’t live up to his father’s incredible legacy? All eyes turned to him as he ascended the throne. Would he be able to hold it? Would he preside over a period of peace and prosperity or would the nation crumble under his leadership? What if famines struck? What if the rains didn’t come? What if harvests failed? Plagues struck his livestock? So much responsibility at such a young age.

I imagine Solomon’s dreams were often filled with anxiety and fear. The pressure to perform had to be enormous. So when the Lord came to him with this question - “What shall I give to you?” - Solomon responds from the depths of his heart. “So give your servant a receptive heart to judge your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of yours?” ‭(1 Kings‬ ‭3:9 CSB‬) Centuries later, a man named James would encourage God’s people to pray a similar prayer. “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” (James‬ ‭1:5 CSB‬) It’s a potent prayer. Transcending time and place and circumstance. Solomon is clearly not simply focused on the present or even the short-term. He knows the challenges he will face. He knows the years will weigh heavy. He knows there will be trials and tribulations and struggles and heartache. He knows all of this and so he asks for divine wisdom to make good decisions for the sake of God’s people. How selfless and humble!

The most amazing thing about Solomon is that he’s in touch with his needs. He knows he is weak. He knows he is young. He knows he is immature. He knows he is unable to carry the burden that has been placed on his shoulders. He acknowledges all of this and his prayer therefore comes from that deep place within as he asks for divine wisdom to bear up under the challenges that will come. Are you in touch with your deepest needs? Have you spent time reflecting on your fears? Have you come face to face with your failures? Do you acknowledge your weakness and insignificance and are you willing to bring it before God? This, friends, is prayer. Humble. Heartfelt. Authentic. Real. Honest to goodness prayer. And such prayers God will never dismiss or despise!

Readings for tomorrow: Psalms 119:89-176

Anxiety’s Cure

Readings for today: Psalms 119:1-88

Pleasure. Delight. Happiness. Goodness. Comfort. Gratitude. Blessing. These are just a few of the words the Psalmist uses to describe his devotion to the law of God. These are feeling words. Emotional words. Intimate words. They point to the relationship the Psalmist has with God Himself. One would not and could not use these words to describe God’s law if the focus was on outward obedience. No one “loves” the law. We respect it. We honor it. We obey it. But we don’t love it. We don’t have a relationship with it. But the law of God is different. Our respect and honor and obedience for God’s law flows fundamentally from a deep, intimate relationship with the Law-Giver.

There is so much fear and anxiety in our world. So much depression and despair. So much self-harm and suicidal ideation. Despite the massive, exponential increase in mental health resources and psychotropic drugs, things are only getting worse. Outcomes are not getting better. Perhaps it’s time to consider a different approach? One that treats the whole person - body, mind, heart, and soul - rather than attempt to treat only part of a person? Perhaps it’s time we took alienation seriously? Whether it’s alienation from our body that manifests itself in gender dysphoria or eating disorders or the obesity epidemic. Alienation of the heart that manifests itself in an unwillingness to forgive, inability to reconcile, and the cutting off of important relationships in our lives. Alienation of the mind that manifests itself in a lack of resiliency, inability to process bad news or disappointment, and an unwillingness to face reality. Alienation of the soul that refuses to acknowledge the deleterious impact of separation from our Creator. Alienation in any and all of these forms lead to poor health outcomes because we simply were not made a compartmentalized life.

The Psalmist hits on the secret to the Christian life. The secret to a blessed life. The secret to a fulfilling life. One filled with meaning and purpose. One marked by joy and peace. What is that secret? It’s loving God and loving His Word. Loving God and loving His commands. Loving God and trusting God enough to let go of our sinful, selfish ways of living and embrace the life He offers us in Jesus Christ. “Before I was afflicted I went astray but now I keep your word.” (Psalm 119:67 CSB) Before I was anxious and afraid but now I keep your word. Before I was depressed and in despair but now I keep your word. Before I was suicidal and afflicted with thoughts of self-harm but now I keep your word. When we live according to God’s Word, we find ourselves filled with the love and grace and peace of God. And though life may still be filled with all kinds of hardship and suffering, we endure. We persevere. We overcome. Not by our might. Not by our power. But by God’s Spirit who now lives inside us and imparts to us all we need for life in this world.

Readings for tomorrow: 1 Kings 3-4, 2 Chronicles 1, Psalms 72

Seeing

Readings for today: 1 Kings 1-2, Psalms 37, 71, 94

It is easy to “fret yourself because of evildoers.” Today I drove through a town of radical Muslim extremists who make a huge profit off of selling khat which is a highly addictive drug. It’s one of the darkest areas in this region. Christians have lost their lives trying to plant churches here. The hostility and persecution of anyone who does not share the Muslim faith is fierce and unrelenting. The exploitation and oppression of the addicted is heartbreaking. The poverty is back-breaking. And it would be easy to respond with anger and hate. Lash out at those who perpetrate such abuse and violence. There’s something deep inside all of us that longs to see those who do evil get what’s coming to them. We get frustrated when they seem to prosper. We lose heart when they get ahead. We question the justice of God when the wicked seemingly get away with all their plots and schemes.

Once again, the Psalmist gives voice to how we feel. He speaks directly to our hearts and points us to God. He helps us reframe our understanding and teaches us God’s eternal perspective. Do not be envious of those who do wrong. They will fade like the grass. Do not fret over the one who carries out evil. For they will be cut off. In the grand scheme of things, the evil only prosper for a moment but it is the righteous and the meek and the godly who will inherit the earth. Our job is not to seek revenge but to trust in the Lord and do good. Our job is not to focus on all that’s wrong in the world but to delight ourselves in God and commit to walk in His ways. If we remain faithful, God promises to make our light shine. He promises to give us an eternal inheritance and the blessing of peace. He promises to uphold the righteous and never let us be put to shame. He promises to establish our steps and provide for our needs and give us a future.

Reading through the Psalms gives us God’s perspective. It reminds us that life is best viewed on an eternal timeline. The sufferings of this world are temporary. The injustices of this world will one day cease. The pain and hardship of this world will fade away. Only the will of God and the Word of God endures forever. The Psalmist challenges us to live with God’s Kingdom in mind. To embrace eternal life as a gift in the here and now. To not put off until tomorrow what God is promising us today. Trust in the Lord and do what is good. Commit your way to the Lord and He will act. Be silent before the Lord and wait expectantly for Him. The Lord delivers all those who take refuge in Him.

Readings for tomorrow: Psalms 119:1-88

Soli Deo Gloria

Readings for today: Psalms 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118

For the glory of God alone. This is the overarching purpose for all of human life. Every human being around the world. Every human being throughout history. Every human being yet to be born. All are created for this one purpose. To live for the glory of God alone. This is how it was in the beginning. In the Garden of Eden. Adam and Eve living naked and unashamed before the Lord. This is how it will be when Jesus comes again and the Kingdom of heaven comes to earth. There will be no need for a sun or a moon anymore for the glory of the Lord will light all of creation and the nations will walk in it.

I have been blessed this week to meet men and women who live for the glory of God alone. On the outside, their lives are full of pain and hardship. They live in life-threatening poverty. They live in conflict zones. They live in areas where there is tremendous persecution. They are often the only Christians in their communities. But because they live for the glory of God, they are filled with inexpressible joy and all-surpassing peace. They testify to miracle after miracle of God’s provision and protection. They talk of signs and wonders they have seen and performed. Healings. Exorcisms. Resurrections. They are salt and light in the dark places they go. They not only preach the gospel but they plant gardens and give away food to those who are starving. They care for those who are sick or imprisoned. They show compassion to those who are hurting or grieving. They love and pray for their enemies. These are not just abstract concepts to them. They are spiritual practices they engage in everyday life. It’s beautiful and humbling to bear witness to their deep and abiding faith.

I have to admit, I feel so impoverished when I travel to Africa. If I am honest, I know I struggle to live for the glory of God alone. I am constantly tempted to steal some of that glory for myself. In the digital age where social media rules, it is so tempting to engage in self-promotion. So tempting to put out the humble brag. So tempting to claim a little credit for myself. It’s something I have to resist constantly. And part of my resistance is to turn my heart to praise. When I focus my attention on God and praise Him with all my heart, the desire to look in the mirror fades. When I meditate on all God’s works and all He has done for me, my frustrations with what I feel I may lack diminish significantly. When I fear the Lord and walk in obedience to His ways, I find my life enriched in all sorts of ways and my desire to provide for myself goes away. This is why reading and praying the Psalms is so important. It lifts our eyes above the cares and worries of this world so we can catch a glimpse of the glory of heaven.

Readings for tomorrow: 1 Kings 1-2, Psalms 37, 71, 94

Means and Ends

Readings for today: 1 Chronicles 27-29, Psalms 68

It is so easy to confuse the “ends” with the “means.” It is so tempting to become more committed to process rather than outcomes. I see it time and time again. It happens in schools where we get more focused on achieving good grades rather than cultivating a love of learning. It happens in healthcare where more time and money is spent on managing disease rather than addressing the underlying problems. It happens in mental health where people are encouraged to remain in therapy for years rather than seriously address maladaptive thinking patterns and behaviors. It happens in businesses that refuse to evolve and change with the times. It happens in churches where we become more committed to “the way we’ve always done it” and lose sight of the Great Commission.

The end of the Christian life is clear. Love God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. Worship and enjoy God forever. Seek the Kingdom of God first and the righteousness of God first and everything else will be taken care of. I love how David put it to Solomon, “As for you, Solomon my son, know the God of your father, and serve him wholeheartedly and with a willing mind, for the Lord searches every heart and understands the intention of every thought. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you abandon him, he will reject you forever.” (‭‭1 Chronicles‬ ‭28‬:‭9‬ ‭CSB‬‬) Yes, Solomon will build a magnificent Temple. A wonder of the ancient world. But even this mighty work is a “means” to a greater end which is the worship of the Living God. Solomon’s success will not be measured in the buildings he builds or the wealth he accumulates or the political power he wields or the military might he deploys. It will be measured in how he loves and serves God. It will be measured in how well he seeks God throughout his reign and rule and life.

These words apply to each and every one of us, no matter what season or station in life we may find ourselves in. It applies to the rich and poor. It applies to the powerful and powerless. It applies to the old and young. It applies to both men and women. The true measure of your life is not found in how much money you make or how much success you achieve. It is not found in the degrees you earn or the companies you build or the number of people you influence. It is not founded in the number of friends or followers you have on social media. These are all means to a much greater end. Did you love and serve God with a whole heart and a willing mind? Did you seek after God with all your heart so you might find Him? Did you pursue God all the days of your life and humbly submit to Him? Did you make His will your own and did you do all you can to live for Him? As C.S. Lewis once put it, “Aim for heaven and you’ll get earth thrown in. Aim at earth and you’ll get neither.”

Readings for tomorrow: No devotionals on Sundays

Limitless

Readings for today: Psalms 131, 138, 139, 143, 144, 145

Reading through the Psalms this morning was refreshing, especially at 2:30AM in Africa! The only part of jet lag I love is getting up and spending hours with the Lord in the watches of the night. It’s quiet. There are no distractions. Space is created for me to listen to God and reflect in deep ways on His goodness and glory. Consider the words of Psalm 145. One cannot meditate on them enough. “The Lord is great and is highly praised; his greatness is unsearchable.” (Psalms‬ ‭145‬:‭3‬ ‭CSB‬‬) God is truly great. Greater than we can imagine. Greater than we think we know. Limitless in his power and knowledge. Limitless in his love and grace. Limitless in his righteousness and justice. His greatness is simply so great it is unsearchable. It is mysterious. Unfathomable. His will is inscrutable. We will never truly understand the mind of God because we are finite. We see through a glass darkly. We only can see part of the picture. We have such a limited view. But God's greatness knows no end!

“The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and great in faithful love. The Lord is good to everyone; his compassion rests on all he has made.” (Psalms‬ ‭145‬:‭8‬-‭9‬ ‭CSB‬‬) Echoes of Exodus where God showed Himself to Moses. The true nature and character of God revealed in all its fullness and glory. God is gracious. His love is unconditional. His mercy is everlasting. There is nothing that can separate us from God's love. Nothing that can condemn those who are in Christ Jesus. No conditions. No circumstances. No sinful behavior. No addiction. No crisis. No tragedy. No doubt. No fear. No failure. Nothing in all of creation can separate those who are in Christ Jesus from the gracious, merciful, steadfast love of God. This is why “All you have made will thank you, Lord; the faithful will bless you.” (Psalms‬ ‭145‬:‭10‬ ‭CSB‬‬)

“The Lord is righteous in all his ways and faithful in all his acts.” (Psalms‬ ‭145‬:‭17‬ ‭CSB‬‬) His Law is beautiful. Precious. It is like water to the soul. His commands are designed for human flourishing. His statutes are for our protection. All his ways are good and kind.

“The Lord is near all who call out to him, all who call out to him with integrity. He fulfills the desires of those who fear him; he hears their cry for help and saves them. The Lord guards all those who love him, but he destroys all the wicked.” (Psalms‬ ‭145‬:‭18‬-‭20‬ ‭CSB‬‬) O the wonderful promises of God! They are true! They are secure! They are more real to me than my thoughts. My feelings. My experience. They are the foundation of my life in Christ. Truly God fulfills His promises. Always in His way and in His time and according to His good plan. 

I love the Psalms so much sometimes I just sit and let the words wash over me like waves at the seashore. Wave after wave of God's goodness. Wave after wave of God's promises. Wave after wave of God's glory. As I am drenched in the love and grace of God, I find myself quite naturally falling to my knees in praise. Falling to my knees in humble submission. Falling to my knees is thanksgiving for all He has done for me. 

Readings for tomorrow: 1 Chronicles 27-29, Psalms 68

Succession

Readings for today: 1 Chronicles 23-26

“When David was old and full of days, he installed his son Solomon as king over Israel.” (‭‭1 Chronicles‬ ‭23‬:‭1‬ ‭CSB‬‬)

I am now in my fifties. Many of my dearest friends and colleagues are in their sixties. In my culture in America, seventy is usually the outer limit on retirement. It’s surprising to me how fast I got here. I still remember getting started in ministry in my twenties and thinking I had all the time in the world. Now I am wondering if I have enough time left to get done all the things I’d love to get done for the Lord. When one gets to this stage in life, one starts to think about succession planning. It’s a common topic of conversation among many of my friends. They have led fruitful ministries for many years and they wonder who will come after them. Some of them have the chance to pick their successor. Some will have their successor chosen for them. Some will have great influence on who follows them. Some will have no influence at all. Some are anxious about what might happen. Some feel a deep sense of peace. Being part of these conversations reminds me that none of is eternal. We are simply links in a much longer chain. Called to take our place and do our part for however long a season God may grant.

I love how David planned for his succession. Yes, he was able to choose his successor but more importantly David made sure the nation was ready for the handoff. He gathered all the leaders. He brought together the priests and Levites. He counted them up and organized them into different divisions with different responsibilities. He did this in accordance with their ancestral families to make sure the perpetual inheritance given to them by the Lord remained intact. He also prepared them for change. His son was planning to build a Temple. No longer would the Levites be required to set up and tear down the Tabernacle or carry it from place to place. They would now have a permanent home in Jerusalem and the holy things of God would have a resting place. This represented a pretty dramatic change for them which may not have been easy so David made sure to smooth the way for his son.

All of us have to think about succession. All of us have to think about who may follow in our footsteps. We think about it in our families with our children and grandchildren. We think about it at work in the positions we hold. We think about it in other areas of life where we may be leaders or have influence. Following the example of David means faithfully preparing the way for the person whom God may call to come after you. It means setting things in order as much as you are able to make things as easy as possible for that person to step up and step in. It means preparing those you serve for any changes to come to smooth over any resistance. To quote the words of the ancient prophet, Isaiah, it means lifting up every valley and laying low every mountain. Straightening the crooked ways and making the rough places plain. It means considering the needs of others or the organization as more important than your own.

Readings for tomorrow: Psalms 131, 138, 139, 143, 144, 145