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Isaiah 58

20 Feb

“Shout with the voice of a trumpet blast. Shout aloud! Don’t be timid. Tell my people Israel of their sins! Yet they act so pious! They come to the Temple every day and seem delighted to learn all about me. They act like a righteous nation that would never abandon the laws of its God. They ask me to take action on their behalf, pretending they want to be near me. ‘We have fasted before you!’ they say. ‘Why aren’t you impressed? We have been very hard on ourselves, and you don’t even notice it!’ “I will tell you why!” I respond. “It’s because you are fasting to please yourselves. Even while you fast, you keep oppressing your workers. What good is fasting when you keep on fighting and quarreling? This kind of fasting will never get you anywhere with me. You humble yourselves by going through the motions of penance, bowing your heads like reeds bending in the wind. You dress in burlap and cover yourselves with ashes. Is this what you call fasting? Do you really think this will please the Lord? “No, this is the kind of fasting I want: Free those who are wrongly imprisoned; lighten the burden of those who work for you. Let the oppressed go free, and remove the chains that bind people. Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help. “Then your salvation will come like the dawn, and your wounds will quickly heal. Your godliness will lead you forward, and the glory of the Lord will protect you from behind. Then when you call, the Lord will answer. ‘Yes, I am here,’ he will quickly reply. “Remove the heavy yoke of oppression. Stop pointing your finger and spreading vicious rumors! Feed the hungry, and help those in trouble. Then your light will shine out from the darkness, and the darkness around you will be as bright as noon. The Lord will guide you continually, giving you water when you are dry and restoring your strength. You will be like a well-watered garden, like an ever-flowing spring. Some of you will rebuild the deserted ruins of your cities. Then you will be known as a rebuilder of walls and a restorer of homes. “Keep the Sabbath day holy. Don’t pursue your own interests on that day, but enjoy the Sabbath and speak of it with delight as the Lord’s holy day. Honor the Sabbath in everything you do on that day, and don’t follow your own desires or talk idly. Then the Lord will be your delight. I will give you great honor and satisfy you with the inheritance I promised to your ancestor Jacob. I, the Lord, have spoken!”

Isaiah 58

Dear God, oh, how I don’t want to be one of those people. I don’t want to be someone who, well, just has to be right, has to elevate myself over someone else, or has to hold a grudge over perceived wrongs done to me or others. I don’t want to be someone who is pious for piety’s sake. I want to be someone who worships you and loves you.

I think it’s the false piety that offends me the most in others and scares me the most about the potential I have for it myself. It’s the being religious and not truly worshipping you. It’s being self-righteous instead of repenting and basking in your forgiveness. The tendency I see in myself and others is the wont to make my faith in you and relationship with you more of a philosophical way of living my life instead of a life born out of communion and relationship with you.

Father, make this real. Make my life lived with you authentic. I am truly sorry for how I failed and how I continue to fail. Thank you for your grace. Thank you for allowing this Gentile to approach the king. Help my life to simply be a fleshing out of my relationship with you and not an empty shell with a Christian veneer.

In Jesus’s name I pray,

Amen

 
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Posted by on February 20, 2021 in Isaiah

 

I don’t know. But I know that I don’t know

19 Feb

Dear God, as our nice, crisp American society here in Texas has crumbled to some extent this week–millions without power in sub-freezing temperatures, indoor plumbing ceasing to work, grocery stores either empty due to resupply trucks not being able to run or employees not being able to arrive to open up–it’s made me think about societies that truly live in even worse conditions all of the time.

Haiti, for example. Puerto Rico after the hurricane a couple of years ago. In those areas, organized crime is high, as is petty crime. The privileged live in compounds with private security guards while the commoners are left to fend for themselves. Every day is a day of waking up wondering if you will be able to meet the most basic of human needs. Food. Water. Shelter. And if I find those things, will I be able to provide them to my family, or will they be taken from me through either organized for petty crime? The inability to defend my family or depend on the authorities to defend me would be unbelievably hard.

Then there are the stories you read in the Bible about a king laying siege to a city. One of the strategies was to surround the city and cut off their supplies. It’s a tactic still used today because it is very powerful. As I saw the food disappear from our own grocery stores and their inability to restock because the trucks couldn’t get through, it made me think of these situations as well. You can have all of the numbers of people you want, but they must be supplied with life-sustaining materials in order to function. What if those supplies are cut off?

And now there will still be thousands in my county alone who will likely be without power for the next week to two weeks. The weather will get warmer so it will be easier to be in their unheated homes, but there are still all kinds of problems to address with no electricity. And then there are the broken pipes. It will be very hard.

Father, there is a movie called Say Anything. In it, the main character, Lloyd Dobbler says a line that I’ve always liked: “I don’t know. But I know that I don’t know.” There are so many things to which I simply cannot relate. I cannot relate to being raised in deep, multigenerational poverty. I cannot relate to not knowing where my next meal will come from. I cannot relate to not feeling like I can physically protect my family. I cannot relate to not feeling like the police or the military are on my side. I cannot relate to being sexually violated. There is so much that I do not know, and I’m grateful to not know it (although I’m sure I take it for granted). But I think the good news is that I know that I don’t know. I know that someone motivated to travel hundreds or thousands of miles on foot or in incredibly uncomfortable conditions to illegally cross an international border only to end up in indentured servitude has experienced things I can’t even imagine. I know that someone who saw her mother stab her father and has no role models in her life might grow up to get pregnant early just to have someone who will love her. I know that someone who cannot provide for his family might be motivated to do whatever he can, including selling drugs, in order to get money to provide. I know that someone who lives in a slum might take their tax refund and, while it is too little to improve their living conditions, it might swing a 60″ 4K TV so that’s how they will use the money. I know that a parent, out of desperation or exhaustion or fear, might make a parenting decision I think I would never make. I don’t know what it’s like to be in these situations (well, maybe I’ve been in at least one of them), but I know that I don’t know. So I cannot solve all of this. I cannot solve the problems of everyone who is suffering in my city, my county, my state, my country, or my world today. I can’t do it. But I can try to solve a least a couple of problems for someone else. So help me to do that today. Help me to do it well and selflessly. And bring your presence into the world for those I help in your name and your power. And raise up others as well as we work together. Use this as a uniting opportunity. Make this pain and suffering count for your glory. Don’t let it be wasted.

In Jesus’s name I pray,

Amen

 
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Posted by on February 19, 2021 in Miscellaneous, Musings and Stories

 

Mark 8:11-21

19 Feb

[11] The Pharisees came and began to question Jesus. To test him, they asked him for a sign from heaven. [12] He sighed deeply and said, “Why does this generation ask for a sign? Truly I tell you, no sign will be given to it.” [13] Then he left them, got back into the boat and crossed to the other side. [14] The disciples had forgotten to bring bread, except for one loaf they had with them in the boat. [15] “Be careful,” Jesus warned them. “Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees and that of Herod.” [16] They discussed this with one another and said, “It is because we have no bread.” [17] Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked them: “Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not see or understand? Are your hearts hardened? [18] Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear? And don’t you remember? [19] When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?” “Twelve,” they replied. [20] “And when I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?” They answered, “Seven.” [21] He said to them, “Do you still not understand?”

Mark 8:11-21

Dear God, I’ve heard the “yeast of the Pharisees” described loosely before, but I wonder how we might define it more precisely. How might I look at this story and see the Pharisee in me or in church leaders (both local and national) today?

So what did Jesus see when he looked at the Pharisees?

  • People who had lost their first love–you.
  • People who had become too focused on keeping their existing position of power and influence in the community.
  • People who cared more about the letter of the law than the spirit of the law.
  • People who judged as inferior things they didn’t understand.
  • People who had made a bargain with the existing political powers so they they and the Jewish religion would maintain its influence.

So what was Jesus saying to the disciples as he made this statement to them? Considering this is likely Peter relating this story to us through Mark, I would say that Peter definitely took a lesson from this story. He didn’t know how to apply it initially, but as the years passed, he got to apply it through the acceptance of Paul as an apostle, the following of the vision to eat the unclean food and minister to and accept Gentiles, and even the ushering in of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, certainly something for which they had no frame of reference.

So what kinds of things might Peter have to say to the American or worldwide church today in terms of what we should learn from Jesus’s words. Politically, there are certainly some national leaders who have made deals with existing political power in order to have top-down influence over society. In fact, they are very yeast-y when you compare them with the things I mentioned above. But they are too easy of a target. What is it in me that tends to be yeast-y?

  • I tend to make an idol out of the man-made structures around me. I put a lot of my confidence in electricity running to my home, access to the Internet, water that comes out of the faucets (both hot and cold), and the ability to communicate with others any time I desire. How do I know this? Because right now every single one of these things has either been taken from me or is being threatened, and it has gotten my attention. I have made an idol out of my American societal infrastructure.
  • I tend to want to influence others to see things my way and act accordingly. I like having an influential role in our local community. I can become prideful in that. I can desire the attention and respect I receive.
  • I tend to be close-minded when it comes to what you might be doing differently today than you were hundreds or thousands of years ago. I am skeptical of those who advocate all of the gifts of the Holy Spirit such as tongues and prophecy.
  • I certainly allow myself to love things in my society more than I love you. I embrace the wrong things. I pursue the wrong things. I allow lethargy and complacency to distract me from the different things you call me to.

Father, help me to see the yeast of the Pharisees that is in my life. Help me to identify it and reject it. It starts with the idols I’ve made. The idol of my society providing for me. The idol of my government solving my problems. The idol of my country’s military or economy making me feel good when I walk around instead of you. I heard yesterday about a former bishop in Haiti who is just trying to feed people, but his life is always in danger. He has no one but you. He has no government upon which he can depend. He has not power grid, running water, or Internet connection that he can say with confidence will be running tomorrow. He has no police to protect him. He doesn’t even have the church supporting him. He has only you. I have to admit that I don’t want to have to get to that point to learn that lesson, but I know that it is easy for me to look to my idols instead of you. I am so sorry.

In Jesus’s name I pray,

Amen

 
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Posted by on February 19, 2021 in Mark

 

Romans 8:31-34

18 Feb

What shall we say about such wonderful things as these? If God is for us, who can ever be against us? Since he did not spare even his own Son but gave him up for us all, won’t he also give us everything else? Who dares accuse us whom God has chosen for his own? No one—for God himself has given us right standing with himself. Who then will condemn us? No one—for Christ Jesus died for us and was raised to life for us, and he is sitting in the place of honor at God’s right hand, pleading for us.

Romans 8:31-34

Dear God, I know I’ve prayed about this before, but this passage reminds me of the idea that we are at our worst as individual Christians or as the church when we are fighting for our own rights, but we are at our best when we are fighting for the rights of others. There are a lot of American Christians feeling like they are currently being persecuted, and have decided to fight for their rights and for top-down influence over society. It’s an ugly look because we are supposed to be able to rest in the peace that we are loved by you, and then we have the opportunity to spread that love to others by loving them as ourselves.

I could go on an on about how the church as a whole should do this for social justice issues, but I wonder what more I should be doing. I think the first thing is relationship. I need to be more purposeful about building relationships with those who are on the other side of the social justice scale than I am. That will be the first step.

Father, in the midst of a lot of strife right now, give me the courage to know what to do, how to help, and how to give.

In Jesus’s name I pray,

Amen

 
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Posted by on February 18, 2021 in Romans

 

“We are not as Strong as We Think We Are” by Rich Mullins

16 Feb

“We are not as Strong as We Think We Are” by Rich Mullins

Well, it took the hand of God Almighty 
To part the waters of the sea 
But it only took one little lie 
To separate you and me 
Oh, we are not as strong as we think we are 

And they say that one day Joshua 
Made the sun stand still in the sky 
But I can’t even keep these thoughts of you from passing by 
Oh, we are not as strong as we think we are 

We are frail, we are fearfully and wonderfully made 
Forged in the fires of human passion 
Choking on the fumes of selfish rage 
And with these our hells and our heavens 
So few inches apart 
We must be awfully small 
And not as strong as we think we are 

And the Master said their faith was 
Gonna make them mountains move 
But me, I tremble like a hill on a fault line 
Just at the thought of how I lost you 
Oh, we are not as strong as we think we are 

We are frail, we are fearfully and wonderfully made 
Forged in the fires of human passion 
Choking on the fumes of selfish rage 
And with these our hells and our heavens 
So few inches apart 
We must be awfully small 
And not as strong as we think we are 

And if you make me laugh 
I know I could make you like me 
‘Cause when I laugh I can be a lot of fun 
But we can’t do that I know that it is frightening 
What I don’t know is why we can’t hold on 
We can’t hold on 

It took the hand of God Almighty 
To part the waters of the sea 
But it only took one little lie 
To separate you and me 
Oh, we are not as strong as we think we are 

When you love you walk on the water 
Just don’t stumble on the waves 
We all want to go there something’ awful 
But to stand there it takes some grace

Source: LyricFind

Songwriters: Beaker and Rich Mullins

Dear God, we just keep getting humbled over and over again. I wonder at what point we will finally break and repent. I fear it will take a lot more.

I have to be honest. I’m in a bit of a fog right now. Almost overwhelmed into inaction. I just want to hibernate and go into self-preservation mode. Every man for himself sort of thing. But I’ve been so fortunate throughout this deep freeze. I have had electricity and water. I’ve been trapped, but being trapped has been pretty survivable.

That’s why I chose this song today. We are not as strong as we think we are. We have all of these great feelings of accomplishment. All of these plans. And then they just go out the window. I am not nearly as strong (or humble, meek, mild, peaceful, joyful, patient, kind, good, etc.) as I think I am. I talked yesterday about the idols I’ve made out of the infrastructure around me. I feel that same powerlessness today.

Father, I pray right now for the suffering. I pray for those who are cold and don’t know when they will be warm again. I pray for those who live on the margins and don’t know how they will get their next meal. I knew that we might have some water problems. Maybe some road problems. I did not foresee the electricity problems. Please show all of us how to give of ourselves so that others might have a chance. Frankly, I feel like I am praying in circles and I don’t even know how it pray. Holy Spirit, please help. Please intercede. Please pray. It is Fat Tuesday before Lent. May this be a Fat Tuesday like none other. A Fat Tuesday that doesn’t bring gluttony, but truly ushers in a season of worshipping you for everything you do.

In Jesus’s name I pray,

Amen

 
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Posted by on February 16, 2021 in Hymns and Songs

 

Mark 8:11-21

16 Feb

[11] The Pharisees came and began to question Jesus. To test him, they asked him for a sign from heaven. [12] He sighed deeply and said, “Why does this generation ask for a sign? Truly I tell you, no sign will be given to it.” [13] Then he left them, got back into the boat and crossed to the other side. [14] The disciples had forgotten to bring bread, except for one loaf they had with them in the boat. [15] “Be careful,” Jesus warned them. “Watch out for the yeast of the Pharisees and that of Herod.” [16] They discussed this with one another and said, “It is because we have no bread.” [17] Aware of their discussion, Jesus asked them: “Why are you talking about having no bread? Do you still not see or understand? Are your hearts hardened? [18] Do you have eyes but fail to see, and ears but fail to hear? And don’t you remember? [19] When I broke the five loaves for the five thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?” “Twelve,” they replied. [20] “And when I broke the seven loaves for the four thousand, how many basketfuls of pieces did you pick up?” They answered, “Seven.” [21] He said to them, “Do you still not understand?”

Mark 8:11-21

Dear God, I’ve heard the “yeast of the Pharisees” described loosely before, but I wonder how we might define it more precisely. How might I look at this story and see the Pharisee in me or in church leaders (both local and national) today?

So what did Jesus see when he looked at the Pharisees?

  • People who had lost their first love–you.
  • People who had become too focused on keeping their existing position of power and influence in the community.
  • People who cared more about the letter of the law than the spirit of the law.
  • People who judged as inferior things they didn’t understand.
  • People who had made a bargain with the existing political powers so they they and the Jewish religion would maintain its influence.

So what was Jesus saying to the disciples as he made this statement to them? Considering this is likely Peter relating this story to us through Mark, I would say that Peter definitely took a lesson from this story. He didn’t know how to apply it initially, but as the years passed, he got to apply it through the acceptance of Paul as an apostle, the following of the vision to eat the unclean food and minister to and accept Gentiles, and even the ushering in of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, certainly something for which they had no frame of reference.

So what kinds of things might Peter have to say to the American or worldwide church today in terms of what we should learn from Jesus’s words. Politically, there are certainly some national leaders who have made deals with existing political power in order to have top-down influence over society. In fact, they are very yeast-y when you compare them with the things I mentioned above. But they are too easy of a target. What is it in me that tends to be yeast-y?

  • I tend to make an idol out of the man-made structures around me. I put a lot of my confidence in electricity running to my home, access to the Internet, water that comes out of the faucets (both hot and cold), and the ability to communicate with others any time I desire. How do I know this? Because right now every single one of these things has either been taken from me or is being threatened, and it has gotten my attention. I have made an idol out of my American societal infrastructure.
  • I tend to want to influence others to see things my way and act accordingly. I like having an influential role in our local community. I can become prideful in that. I can desire the attention and respect I receive.
  • I tend to be close-minded when it comes to what you might be doing differently today than you were hundreds or thousands of years ago. I am skeptical of those who advocate all of the gifts of the Holy Spirit such as tongues and prophecy.
  • I certainly allow myself to love things in my society more than I love you. I embrace the wrong things. I pursue the wrong things. I allow lethargy and complacency to distract me from the different things you call me to.

Father, help me to see the yeast of the Pharisees that is in my life. Help me to identify it and reject it. It starts with the idols I’ve made. The idol of my society providing for me. The idol of my government solving my problems. The idol of my country’s military or economy making me feel good when I walk around instead of you. I heard yesterday about a former bishop in Haiti who is just trying to feed people, but his life is always in danger. He has no one but you. He has no government upon which he can depend. He has not power grid, running water, or Internet connection that he can say with confidence will be running tomorrow. He has no police to protect him. He doesn’t even have the church supporting him. He has only you. I have to admit that I don’t want to have to get to that point to learn that lesson, but I know that it is easy for me to look to my idols instead of you. I am so sorry.

In Jesus’s name I pray,

Amen

 
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Posted by on February 16, 2021 in Mark

 

Leviticus 13:1-2,44-46

14 Feb

The Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “If anyone has a swelling or a rash or discolored skin that might develop into a serious skin disease, that person must be brought to Aaron the priest or to one of his sons…the man is indeed infected with a skin disease and is unclean. The priest must pronounce him ceremonially unclean because of the sore on his head. “Those who suffer from a serious skin disease must tear their clothing and leave their hair uncombed. They must cover their mouth and call out, ‘Unclean! Unclean!’ As long as the serious disease lasts, they will be ceremonially unclean. They must live in isolation in their place outside the camp.

Leviticus 13:1-2,44-46

Dear God, this can seem so draconian and barbaric. Really? Move them outside of town? Make them call out, “Unclean!” Isn’t that a bit much?

But there are always reasons behind your edicts. In this case, this was a serious situation that could spread through the population and kill people–not unlike how we’ve been treating COVID-19 in our modern society. Unfortunately for their time, they didn’t have the technology to address their situation. They just had to ride with it. For us, for most, it is a short-lived disease so they don’t have to remain separated more that a few weeks. Of course, it does kills some, and it does leave some permanently damaged, but, at least for those who live, they don’t have to be alone.

I wonder how a Christian who has fought against COVID-19 quarantines and precautions (e.g. face masks) would read this verse. Would they see the modern application? Would they understand the similarities? As Americans, especially, we have come to worship our individual rights as people. “Don’t Tread on Me!” But the mercy for others is supposed to come first. Isn’t that what the second greatest commandment, according to Jesus, is all about?

Father, there is nothing new in the world. Your people have had to deal with reality for as long as you have had relationship with us–and even before. We are humans. We are all in this together. Help us to have the humility we need to both honor and love our neighbors, and to know how to reach out to and minister to them as well.

In Jesus’s name I pray,

Amen

 
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Posted by on February 14, 2021 in Leviticus

 

Mark 8:1-9

13 Feb

About this time another large crowd had gathered, and the people ran out of food again. Jesus called his disciples and told them, “I feel sorry for these people. They have been here with me for three days, and they have nothing left to eat. If I send them home hungry, they will faint along the way. For some of them have come a long distance.” His disciples replied, “How are we supposed to find enough food to feed them out here in the wilderness?” Jesus asked, “How much bread do you have?” “Seven loaves,” they replied. So Jesus told all the people to sit down on the ground. Then he took the seven loaves, thanked God for them, and broke them into pieces. He gave them to his disciples, who distributed the bread to the crowd. A few small fish were found, too, so Jesus also blessed these and told the disciples to distribute them. They ate as much as they wanted. Afterward, the disciples picked up seven large baskets of leftover food. There were about 4,000 men in the crowd that day, and Jesus sent them home after they had eaten.

Mark 8:1-9

Dear God, I don’t have any fancy, deep and meaningful thoughts about this passage this morning. I just have the knowledge that we had to cancel the monthly food truck distribution at First Baptist Church because of ice and there are people who will get about 70 lbs. less food this morning because we cannot be there. Some of them have bare cupboards. Some of them live in the country and have no electricity. Some of them are scared. Some of them are in legitimate physical danger. 

Father, as Jesus did for this crowd, have mercy on them. My wife and I have some resources. Show us how to use them. Make it very clear to us how to reach out. But regardless, please meet these needs. Meet the needs for food. Multiply what is in their cupboards for your glory’s sake. Help the CTEC people trying to restore power so that the people can defend their homes against this cold weather. We are not as strong as we think we are. Help us to embrace that idea, submit to that idea, and lean on you for our provision. Through this pain, bring revival, even in my own heart.

In Jesus’s name I pray,

Amen

 
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Posted by on February 13, 2021 in Mark

 

Nehemiah 1:2-11

12 Feb

Hanani, one of my brothers, came to visit me with some other men who had just arrived from Judah. I asked them about the Jews who had returned there from captivity and about how things were going in Jerusalem. They said to me, “Things are not going well for those who returned to the province of Judah. They are in great trouble and disgrace. The wall of Jerusalem has been torn down, and the gates have been destroyed by fire.” When I heard this, I sat down and wept. In fact, for days I mourned, fasted, and prayed to the God of heaven. Then I said, “O Lord, God of heaven, the great and awesome God who keeps his covenant of unfailing love with those who love him and obey his commands, listen to my prayer! Look down and see me praying night and day for your people Israel. I confess that we have sinned against you. Yes, even my own family and I have sinned! We have sinned terribly by not obeying the commands, decrees, and regulations that you gave us through your servant Moses. “Please remember what you told your servant Moses: ‘If you are unfaithful to me, I will scatter you among the nations. But if you return to me and obey my commands and live by them, then even if you are exiled to the ends of the earth, I will bring you back to the place I have chosen for my name to be honored.’ “The people you rescued by your great power and strong hand are your servants. O Lord, please hear my prayer! Listen to the prayers of those of us who delight in honoring you. Please grant me success today by making the king favorable to me. Put it into his heart to be kind to me.” In those days I was the king’s cup-bearer.

Nehemiah 1:2-11

Dear God, I’ve read verses 2-4 countless times, but I decided to read his prayer today and focus on that. I had a little phrase hit my mind (done to the tune of “It’s Quiet Uptown” from Hamilton): “Repentance! Can you imagine? Repentance!”

I never noticed before that Nehemiah starts with repentance. Repentance. What an amazing thing you offer us. Repentance.

Knowing that I am certainly no better than Nehemiah, that is probably where my prayer should start this morning. Repentance.

Father, I have truly felt a spirit of pride and ungratefulness to you sneak into my spirit lately. I am so sorry. And there is so much to thank you for. I thank you for what you have provided at work. All of the good things there are of you, not of me. If I played a role, it is that I prayed and you heard my prayer. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

I am sorry for how I have judged people and exhibited or held anger towards them. I am sorry for being unmerciful.

I am sorry for being selfish with my resources. I am sorry for not caring about the actual struggles of others more than I do, and for not being more charitable. I am sorry for all of the guard rails I put around my life. Show me how to be more appropriately generous.

I am sorry for not praying harder for those for whom I care. The truth is, I expect you to work harder than I am willing to work. I am sorry. For privacy’s sake, I will pray for them separate from this journal, but, oh, Lord, I am sorry.

I am sorry for lying to protect myself. I am sorry for coveting. I am sorry for lusting (commuting adultery). I am sorry for having idols before you. I am sorry for hating (murdering). I have broken every commandment in word, thought, and deed, through what I have done and what I have failed to do. I have not pursued you with all my mind, soul, and strength. I have not loved my neighbor as myself. I am so sorry.

Father, please forgive me. Jesus, please intercede for me. Thank you for what you did on the cross and through the resurrection of the tomb. Thank you for what you continue to do today. Holy Spirit, teach me. I would ask that you teach me gently, but I have not pride and no high ground. I yield to whatever means you need to use to move me closer to being in complete worship of my Father, the Son, and you, the Holy Spirit. For you glory, for your glory, for your glory.

In Jesus’s name I pray,

Amen

 
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Posted by on February 12, 2021 in Nehemiah

 

1 Corinthians 12:27-13:13

10 Feb

All of you together are Christ’s body, and each of you is a part of it. Here are some of the parts God has appointed for the church: first are apostles, second are prophets, third are teachers, then those who do miracles, those who have the gift of healing, those who can help others, those who have the gift of leadership, those who speak in unknown languages. Are we all apostles? Are we all prophets? Are we all teachers? Do we all have the power to do miracles? Do we all have the gift of healing? Do we all have the ability to speak in unknown languages? Do we all have the ability to interpret unknown languages? Of course not! So you should earnestly desire the most helpful gifts. But now let me show you a way of life that is best of all.

If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. If I had the gift of prophecy, and if I understood all of God’s secret plans and possessed all knowledge, and if I had such faith that I could move mountains, but didn’t love others, I would be nothing. If I gave everything I have to the poor and even sacrificed my body, I could boast about it; but if I didn’t love others, I would have gained nothing. Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. Prophecy and speaking in unknown languages and special knowledge will become useless. But love will last forever! Now our knowledge is partial and incomplete, and even the gift of prophecy reveals only part of the whole picture! But when the time of perfection comes, these partial things will become useless. When I was a child, I spoke and thought and reasoned as a child. But when I grew up, I put away childish things. Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely. Three things will last forever—faith, hope, and love—and the greatest of these is love.

1 Corinthians 12:27-13:13

Dear God, I do not think I have ever read the end of 1 Corinthians 12 in context with chapter 13. What a travesty for me. It is another example of the divisions that the Bible translators put in to make it easier for us to cross reference and find things created an unintended consequence of sometimes removing the context for a passage.

This one is a good example. After Paul spends a lot of time talking about the greatness and importance of being an apostle, a prophet, a teacher, a healer, etc., he concludes with this important sentence:

But now let me show you a way of life that is best of all.

And what trumps all of these great things? It’s pretty simple. Love. Love. Love. Patient love. Kind love. Merciful love. Humble love. Courteous love. Generous love. Unselfish love. Justice-focused love. Good-tempered love. Faithful love. Hopeful love. Persevering love. If I don’t have this love then I can take anything I have about me that might be impressive and throw it away, for all it is worth. It’s worth absolutely nothing. If I teach great things about you, but do not live out these types of love, my teaching is hypocritical and actually does more harm than good. Or if I only have one aspect of love, but am not merciful or humble then my other actions are muted and probably have a negative effect.

Father, help me to be patient, kind, merciful, humble, courteous, generous, unselfish, justice-focused, good-tempered, faithful, hopeful, and persevering. And do all of these things for your glory and for the advancement of your kingdom, and not for me.

In Jesus’s name I pray,

Amen

 
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Posted by on February 10, 2021 in 1 Corinthians

 
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