Tag: leader

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Sin, Favor, New Heavens and New Earth; Beulah Land

Isaiah 59-62

From recognition of my many sins to the image of Beulah Land, through the land of despair and discouragement, today’s reading was a challenge for me for deep personal reasons. God is so faithful as I read this morning. I hoped He would speak to me in these verses and then it happened–nearly the last verse. I end this blog today with wonderful memories of worshiping Him some 25 years ago. I even remembered the names of the leaders, a wonderful couple: Udell and Janet Meyers. I count this as a blessing with the assurance that I will one day worship with endless joy, so I may as well start with joy this morning.

Isaiah 59: Sin, Confession and Redemption

Surely the arm of the Lord is not too short to save,
nor his ear too dull to hear.
But your iniquities have separated
you from your God;
your sins have hidden his face from you,
so that he will not hear.
Isaiah 59:1-2

The mirror doesn’t lie, my sins are ever before the Lord, clear as day, my iniquities are many.

The blindness is frustrating,

Like the blind we grope along the wall,
feeling our way like people without eyes.
Isaiah 59:10

But God was not satisfied to see people lost and lonely. His creation, those he endowed with eternal spirits were too precious to leave in the darkness, so He himself provided a new light:

He put on righteousness as his breastplate,
and the helmet of salvation on his head;
he put on the garments of vengeance
and wrapped himself in zeal as in a cloak.
Isaiah 59:17

Hear the Gospel proclaimed hundreds of years before the birth of Jesus!

“The Redeemer will come to Zion,
to those in Jacob who repent of their sins,”
declares the Lord.
Isaiah 59:20

Repentance is available to all. No sin is too great. But the world closes eyes to iniquities and makes us believe in our own self-righteousness. God will not be fooled. In our short time on earth, we make choices. I pray we would choose wisely.

Isaiah 60: The Glory of Zion

The very thought of this sunrise is captivating:

“Lift up your eyes and look about you:
All assemble and come to you;
your sons come from afar,
and your daughters are carried on the hip.
Then you will look and be radiant,
your heart will throb and swell with joy;
the wealth on the seas will be brought to you,
to you the riches of the nations will come.
Isaiah 60:4-5

The Lord has arisen and all nations come to him. Hearts throb and swell with joy as Jesus is honored above all else.

Your sun will never set again,
and your moon will wane no more;
the Lord will be your everlasting light,
and your days of sorrow will end.
Then all your people will be righteous
and they will possess the land forever.
Isaiah 60:20-21

I can’t lie, I am looking forward to the day when sorrows will end. Some days are just difficult.

Isaiah 61: The Year of the Lord’s Favor

Isaiah continues to paint the picture of a glorious future, this is the hope I’m holding onto:

Instead of your shame
you will receive a double portion,
and instead of disgrace
you will rejoice in your inheritance.
And so you will inherit a double portion in your land,
and everlasting joy will be yours.
Isaiah 61:7

Everlasting joy, that’s a wonderful promise. Truthfully, I’d take a day full of joy right now! It’s hard to imagine such a time as this when all of God’s goodness is restored.

I delight greatly in the Lord;
my soul rejoices in my God.
Isaiah 61:10

My soul will be refreshed, will delight like never before. Moments of joy flutter by in this day and age. The future Isaiah speaks of is worth waiting for and worthy of telling others about. Lord, help me to sense this joy deep inside my heart so it shows in all that I do. Pour joy into my soul this morning. Let your light radiate for others to see.

Isaiah 62: Zion’s New Name

No longer will they call you Deserted,
or name your land Desolate.
But you will be called Hephzibah,
and your land Beulah;
for the Lord will take delight in you,
and your land will be married.
As a young man marries a young woman,
so will your Builder marry you;
as a bridegroom rejoices over his bride,
so will your God rejoice over you.
Isaiah 62:4-5

Years ago, while serving the Air Force in England, we worshipped with a missional community out in the countryside rather than the base chapel (I hardly remember the details), but I do remember Udell and Janet Meyers who lead the ministry for a while there. A godly couple, wonderful people, good times. When they were reassigned (somewhere), we had a musical send off that included the song Beulah Land, by The Gaither Vocal Band. I’d never heard the term Beulah Land before, so I asked Udell. His response was classic: “look it up.” His ministry was more about teaching people to fish than it was about feeding us, though he certainly did both. “But you will be called Hephzibah, and your land Beulah.” We sang the song mostly a cappela, five of us with Udell taking lead and I sang low bass. The imagery was wonderful. The memory precious.

Joy filled the hearts of all present that afternoon and for a few hours we smiled at the thought of being homesick for a land we’ve never seen before, a land we’ve only heard about through the words of Isaiah. Thank you Lord for your amazing words through your great servant Isaiah.

Receive today’s benediction, words far better than any I could create:

They will be called the Holy People,
the Redeemed of the Lord;
and you will be called Sought After,
the City No Longer Deserted.
Isaiah 62:12

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Trust in Egypt Condemned

Isaiah 30-32

This past week at Exponential, I was reunited with so many men and women of great faith and deep humility; those who have led literally hundreds to Christ by creating and cultivating environments that were safe to discuss eternal matters. These leaders have names I know well, but you would not recognize from headlines. They truly care nothing about headlines on human tablets for they know their reward comes from Christ, from the Lord of all. Hearing “well done” from Jesus is infinitely greater than any accolade from another human. Some have the opportunity to speak in front of thousands, but even they know this privilege is only meant to point others to Christ.

Hear the words of Isaiah this morning as he speaks timeless wisdom for our ancestors and for us today.

Isaiah 30: Woe to the Obstinate Nation

The Lord of all is ever patient with his wandering flock, rebuking us for transgressions in an effort to keep us on track.

This is what the Sovereign Lord,
the Holy One of Israel, says:
“In repentance and rest is your salvation,
in quietness and trust is your strength,
but you would have none of it.

Yet the Lord longs to be gracious to you;
therefore he will rise up to show you compassion.
For the Lord is a God of justice.
Blessed are all who wait for him!
Isaiah 30:15, 18

The title given for this chapter is a bit deceptive, it’s more about the great things God will do than it is about the “woe” to us as obstinate people.

And you will sing
as on the night you celebrate a holy festival;
your hearts will rejoice
as when people playing pipes go up
to the mountain of the Lord,
to the Rock of Israel.
Isaiah 30:29

This is a great chapter to read for encouragement, many quotes worthy of pasting on top of festive photos. Take heart, “Although the Lord gives you the bread of adversity and the water of affliction, your teachers will be hidden no more; with your own eyes you will see them.” (Isaiah 30:20)

Isaiah 31: Woe to Those Who Rely on Egypt

A great reminder to those of us who rely on our own craftiness and wisdom as our ancestors did with Egypt:

Woe to those who go down to Egypt for help,
who rely on horses,
who trust in the multitude of their chariots
and in the great strength of their horsemen,
but do not look to the Holy One of Israel,
or seek help from the Lord.
Isaiah 31:1

I can’t help but remember the Tozer quote from yesterday, the call to remember God as the Lord Almighty, the powerful Creator of all, as I read this chapter. Not by human hands, but by the might of God himself will we be saved. Let us look to the Holy One and not in the mirror for help. It seems ridiculous to say, but it is so often true as we mislead ourselves and others.

Isaiah 32:1-8: The Kingdom of Righteousness

More words of encouragement to help us in our present struggle:

Then the eyes of those who see will no longer be closed,
and the ears of those who hear will listen.
The fearful heart will know and understand,
and the stammering tongue will be fluent and clear.
No longer will the fool be called noble
nor the scoundrel be highly respected.
Isaiah 32:3-5

Now, Jesus, now! We all want this time to happen now! My impatience is selfishly driven for I know the reward that awaits. Help me to reach out to those who don’t read these words, who don’t understand the eternal decision that awaits them.

Isaiah 32:9-20: The Women of Jerusalem

Isaiah writes specifically to the women of Jerusalem, those who are responsible for so much in their culture, you are not forgotten:

You women who are so complacent,
rise up and listen to me;
you daughters who feel secure,
hear what I have to say!
Isaiah 32:9

Now that I have your attention! Here is the promise:

The Lord’s justice will dwell in the desert,
his righteousness live in the fertile field.
The fruit of that righteousness will be peace;
its effect will be quietness and confidence forever.
Isaiah 32:16-17

Today’s reading is full of encouragement for those who know the Lord, who are wrapped in his robe of grace. Lord, help us to invite many more into this relationship with our words, deeds and example of faith in you. Fill us with joy knowing this is to come so soon!

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Ephraim and Jerusalem

Isaiah 28-29 and Psalm 102

One of the many things that Francis Chan included in his talk yesterday at the end of Exponential East 2017 was A.W. Tozer’s assertion1 that this country has lost its “lofty concept of God” that is, “the high concept of God”

We’ve suffered the loss of that high concept of God, and the concept of God handled by the average gospel church now is so low as to be unworthy of God and a disgrace to the Church. It is by neglect, degenerate error and spiritual blindness that som are saying God is their “pardner” or “the man upstairs.” One Christian college put out a booklet called “Christ Is My Quarterback”–He always calls the right play. And a certain businessman was quoted as saying, “God’s a good fellow and I like Him.”

Somehow we’ve lost the view that we read throughout Isaiah, well, the entire Bible, that God is all powerful, the Creator of all.

But you remain the same,
and your years will never end.
The children of your servants will live in your presence;
their descendants will be established before you.”
Psalm 102:27-28

Lord, as we read through Isaiah, may we see clearly that you are the all powerful, all knowing, all gracious God of All! While we aren’t focused on scaring the hell out of everyone, help us to stand in awe of all you are.

Isaiah 28: Woe to the Leaders of Ephraim and Judah

Perhaps we don’t like to read the words of the prophets because of how they portray our God:

See, the Lord has one who is powerful and strong.
Like a hailstorm and a destructive wind,
like a driving rain and a flooding downpour,
he will throw it forcefully to the ground.
Isaiah 28:2

But here is the great news:

So this is what the Sovereign Lord says:
“See, I lay a stone in Zion, a tested stone,
a precious cornerstone for a sure foundation;
the one who relies on it
will never be stricken with panic.
Isaiah 28:16

The one sure foundation we can rely on is Jesus Christ. In him we will no longer panic, no longer be tossed about.

Hear the words of the Lord through Isaiah, God is working his plan according to each person. The process is painful, but the rewards are great:

Caraway is not threshed with a sledge,
nor is the wheel of a cart rolled over cumin;
caraway is beaten out with a rod,
and cumin with a stick.
Grain must be ground to make bread;
so one does not go on threshing it forever.
The wheels of a threshing cart may be rolled over it,
but one does not use horses to grind grain.
All this also comes from the Lord Almighty,
whose plan is wonderful,
whose wisdom is magnificent.
Isaiah 28:27-29

God’s plan is better than mine, though there are times when I feel like the caraway or cumin or even the grain that is ground into flour. Whatever the case, my hope is to be useful to the Lord in this life, these few days I have.

Isaiah 29: Woe to David’s City

The painful truth expressed by Isaiah so long ago is still seen in our churches today:

The Lord says:
“These people come near to me with their mouth
and honor me with their lips,
but their hearts are far from me.
Their worship of me
is based on merely human rules they have been taught.
Isaiah 29:13

That which we think is hidden is in plain sight to God. He sees our masks we wear to hide our true motives and identities. Transparency is covered with words and promises, probably because we don’t do well with authenticity. I pray for a day when we can let these guards down and simply be ourselves, the day when we will lean on each other for help and support without shame or restraint. We may not ever be perfect here on earth, but we can move in the direction of authentic worship, even if for brief moments. These pure offerings pierce through the armor built to hide our true feelings. Help us, Lord, to be the community of faith you truly desire.

Hear these words as a benediction of hope for that day:

Therefore this is what the Lord,
who redeemed Abraham,
says to the descendants of Jacob:
“No longer will Jacob be ashamed;
no longer will their faces grow pale.
When they see among them their children,
the work of my hands,
they will keep my name holy;
they will acknowledge the holiness of the Holy One of Jacob,
and will stand in awe of the God of Israel.
Those who are wayward in spirit will gain understanding;
those who complain will accept instruction.”
Isaiah 29:22-24

 

 

 

1 The Attributes of God, Volume 2, Deeper Into the Father’s Heart, A. W. Tozer, Moody Press, ISBN: 978-1-60066-791-6

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Oracles to Many Nations; More Judgment to Come

Isaiah 17-21 and Psalm 101

Before jumping into Isaiah’s prophecies against Damascus, Cush, Egypt, Babylon, Edom and Arabia, we read an affirmation psalm (Psalm 101).

Psalm 101: I Will

In eight verses, this psalm affirms twelve “I Will” statements — a great way to start the week!

  1. I will sing of the Lord’s love and justice
  2. I will be careful to lead a blameless life
  3. I will conduct myself with a blameless heart
  4. I will not look for approval from vile things
  5. I will have no part of faithless people
  6. I will put to silence those who slander their neighbor
  7. I will not tolerate those haughty eyes and a proud heart
  8. I will set my eyes on the faithful, the one whose walk is blameless
  9. I will not invite those who practice deceit into my house
  10. I will not stand in the presence of liars
  11. I will not listen to the wicked
  12. I will cut off every evildoer from the city of the Lord

This really needs to become a song we sing, one of those songs you can’t get out of your head. The airwaves are filled with so much negative news that this proclamation of the power of positive thinking (to steal Norman Vincent Peale’s title) is a great way to silence those voices. Thanks, Lord, for the reminder!

Prophecy Against Damascus: Isaiah 17

The capital city of Aram, home of the Arameans, frequent enemies of Israel, is an important city to this day. Now the capital of Syria, this location has been the target of many invasions. Isaiah’s vision would have likely been scoffed at when delivered, perhaps like the unsinkable Titanic.

See, Damascus will no longer be a city
but will become a heap of ruins.
Isaiah 17:1

The Apostle Paul was heading to Damascus when Jesus met him. The fact that there were Jewish synagogues in Damascus tells me there was hope for this place.

Yet some gleanings will remain,
as when an olive tree is beaten,
leaving two or three olives on the topmost branches,
four or five on the fruitful boughs,”
declares the Lord, the God of Israel.
Isaiah 7:6

The remnant survives.

Prophecy Against Cush: Isaiah 18

Woe to the land of whirring wings
along the rivers of Cush,
which sends envoys by sea
in papyrus boats over the water.
Go, swift messengers,
to a people tall and smooth-skinned,
to a people feared far and wide,
an aggressive nation of strange speech,
whose land is divided by rivers.
Isaiah 18:1-2

For the contemporary audience, the prophecy against Cush is a was a warning not to align themselves with Cush (and Egypt), even though it was tempting. God had their backs as long as they (Judah) was faithful. No need to create alliances with aggressive nations. Remain faithful, sing psalm 101 again!

Prophecy Against Egypt: Isaiah 19

The same applies to Egypt, that special place in ancient biblical times that housed and hid many of our ancestors (good and bad):

See, the Lord rides on a swift cloud
and is coming to Egypt.
The idols of Egypt tremble before him,
and the hearts of the Egyptians melt with fear.
Isaiah 19:1

So the Lord will make himself known to the Egyptians, and in that day they will acknowledge the Lord. They will worship with sacrifices and grain offerings; they will make vows to the Lord and keep them. The Lord will strike Egypt with a plague; he will strike them and heal them. They will turn to the Lord, and he will respond to their pleas and heal them. Isaiah 10:21-22

Our God is gracious, he wants the best of all of us, though His discipline is difficult to understand at times…well…oftentimes it seems. “He will strike them and heal them.” There seems to be a soft spot in God’s heart for Egypt, for the Egyptians. When Jesus was born and Herod threatened, Joseph responds to God’s prompting and heads to Egypt. Just one of several times in the Bible. Interesting.

Prophecy Against Egypt and Cush: Isaiah 20

For now, Isaiah continues his warning about Egypt and Cush:

Those who trusted in Cush and boasted in Egypt will be dismayed and put to shame. In that day the people who live on this coast will say, ‘See what has happened to those we relied on, those we fled to for help and deliverance from the king of Assyria! How then can we escape?’”Isaiah 20:5-6

Timing is everything.

Prophecy Against Babylon: Isaiah 21:1-10

Look, here comes a man in a chariot
with a team of horses.
And he gives back the answer:
‘Babylon has fallen, has fallen!
All the images of its gods
lie shattered on the ground!’”
Isaiah 21:9

The rise and fall of Babylon, several times throughout history, provides a reminder that those who worship idols, gods of their own hands, have little to rely on. It’s reassuring, perhaps, but troublesome as well. For some reason I’m thinking of Poland when the Nazis invaded. Knowing that their leader was pure evil didn’t remove the pain from those swept away by overwhelming forces. I wonder how strong my faith would be in such circumstances. Would I have read a letter from someone as renowned as Isaiah in those days and remained faithful? I hope the study of Isaiah gives me the strength to stand when my faith is tested, not if.

Prophecy Against Arabia: Isaiah 21:13-17

This is what the Lord says to me: “Within one year, as a servant bound by contract would count it, all the splendor of Kedar will come to an end. The survivors of the archers, the warriors of Kedar, will be few.” Isaiah 21:16-17

Hopefully, those in Judah, the faithful kings, heard these words and bolstered their faith in God as their deliverer rather than some unholy accord with neighboring nations. Well, for the most part we know that worked, at least temporarily.

Isaiah covers a lot of ground, much to consider, but throughout I read the story of God working his plan through people. As affirmed in Psalm 101, I will hear the words and align myself with those who walk with the Lord.

 

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A Child is Born; The Branch

Isaiah 9-11 and Psalm 99

In the reading this morning we ride the rollercoaster of great news about the birth of Jesus and the flagrant disrespect that Israel shows toward God. The upside is wonderful, the downside is devastating, literally.

Four times we read the refrain:

Yet for all this, his anger is not turned away,
his hand is still upraised.
Isaiah 9:12, 17, 21; 10:4

More than a warning, this is a statement of fact:

Those who guide this people mislead them,
and those who are guided are led astray.
Isaiah 9:16

The leaders of the northern kingdom are described in this single statement. Each king is noted as doing evil, not following the ways of the Lord. Their wickedness is not unseen, though they have acted as though they were untouchable. The Lord sees all and will not be idle.

What will you do on the day of reckoning,
when disaster comes from afar?
To whom will you run for help?
Where will you leave your riches?
Nothing will remain but to cringe among the captives
or fall among the slain.
Isaiah 10:3-4

Chapter 10 reminds me of Tolkien’s Lord of the Rings, the battles fought, the rallying speeches of the kings.

See, the Lord, the Lord Almighty,
will lop off the boughs with great power.
The lofty trees will be felled,
the tall ones will be brought low.
He will cut down the forest thickets with an ax;
Lebanon will fall before the Mighty One.
Isaiah 10:33-34

But there is hope, there is good news.  “Nevertheless, there will be no more gloom for those who were in distress.” (Isaiah 9:1) The remnant will survive (Isaiah 10:20-23). Though they were once many, the faithful few will carry the glimmer of hope.

One of my favorite scriptures:

For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the greatness of his government and peace
there will be no end.
Isaiah 9:6-7

A key part of Advent memories around the world, the hope of the world is born.

A shoot will come up from the stump of Jesse;
from his roots a Branch will bear fruit.
The Spirit of the Lord will rest on him—
the Spirit of wisdom and of understanding,
the Spirit of counsel and of might,
the Spirit of the knowledge and fear of the Lord—
and he will delight in the fear of the Lord.
Isaiah 11:1-3

I imagine these words were read over and over again by the remnant destined for exile. Chiseled in stone, written on parchment, embedded in the hearts of those who were cast out. What a great and glorious day it was when Christ was born, when the Branch came forth.

Amid the words of destruction, the prophecies of gloom, we read these encouraging words. “In that day…” there is hope. Though many will be swept away, the day of righteousness is at hand. It will be an amazing future where jealousy is vanquished, a place where old enemies live together:

  • the wolf and the lamb
  • the calf, the lion and the yearly
  • the cow and the bear
  • the infant and the cobra

Though the present is full of grief and anguish:

In that day the Lord will
reach out his hand a second time
to reclaim the surviving
remnant of his people…
Isaiah 11:11

Isaiah prods and comforts, scorns and soothes with words that speak bluntly followed by hope for the future. Out of the stump the shoot will arise…a second time!

 

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God’s Judgment; Song of the Vineyard

Isaiah 3-5 and Psalm 97

Today’s word from Isaiah is hard, difficult to read, extremely sad when I think about the population that is affected. He has no choice but to tell it like it is–God has provided a vision, the story must be told.

Jerusalem staggers,
Judah is falling;
their words and deeds are against the Lord,
defying his glorious presence.
The look on their faces testifies against them;
they parade their sin like Sodom;
they do not hide it.
Woe to them!
They have brought disaster upon themselves.
Isaiah 3:8-9

This horrible picture of Jerusalem is described in vivid imagery:

Instead of fragrance there will be a stench;
instead of a sash, a rope;
instead of well-dressed hair, baldness;
instead of fine clothing, sackcloth;
instead of beauty, branding.
Your men will fall by the sword,
your warriors in battle.
The gates of Zion will lament and mourn;
destitute, she will sit on the ground.
Isaiah 3:24-26

The once beautiful city, the pride of Israel, years in the making, will lay in ruin. Pick your finest example of opulence and write the owner a letter with these words–it would not be received well (to say the least). I cannot imagine how the leaders in Judah reacted when they heard Isaiah’s outrageous words. I can imagine those in power scoffed at his vision, completely shut him down. Still, somewhere out there there were those who heard the painful words and were moved. Somewhere. Someone. The Remnant.

In that day the Branch of the Lord will be beautiful and glorious,
and the fruit of the land will be the pride and glory of the survivors in Israel.
Those who are left in Zion,
who remain in Jerusalem,
will be called holy,
all who are recorded among the living in Jerusalem.
Isaiah 4:2-3

One day the Lord will cleanse all the earth and the holy city will be restored. Isaiah tells of the future, but the present state of the Chosen people will result in exile, banishment from that which they were given.

Therefore my people will go into exile
for lack of understanding;
those of high rank will die of hunger
and the common people will be parched with thirst.
Isaiah 5:13

I can’t wrap my mind around the concept, it’s an ancient story of a distant past, right? It’s easy to sit back and take that position, but reading the news (the real news) reveals oppression still exists today. Men, filled with personal agendas and great egos apply their vision of the perfect world on others in North Korea and Syria (to name a few). There are many other areas in the world where the idea of forced exile is very real. These people don’t wake up and decide if it’s a latte or cappuccino, they wake up from a nightmare and wonder if their family will survive the day.

This is a horrible message to deliver to the people who were once the pride of Judah, the wisest, most affluent. People whose reverence for the Lord was so strong that peace was palpable. The very mention of Yahweh brought to mind wonder and delight. Isaiah reveals the pending exile with strong words. That which was once most valued will be discarded as rubbish.

The very things that were fought for will be laid to waste because of selfish pride and complete loss of focus on that which is eternal.

Lord help us to keep you in the center of all we do. We look forward to that glorious day when all will be made new, but don’t let us look so forward that we forget about today and the people who need to feel your presence.

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Proverbs 14 of 14: Epilogue – A Wife of Noble Character

Proverbs 31:10-31

Today we come to the Epilogue of Proverbs, words that describe an incredible woman, a wife that surpasses them all. Volumes have been published on this section in Proverbs, entire organizations founded to honor women, etc. I’m not trying to add to the list at all, just taking time this morning to honor my wife and listen for that which God wants me to hear today.

Strong and Independent Wife

It’s fascinating that a culture in which women are subjugated to men we find this passage that stands out among few that honors, even promotes, strength and wisdom of women, especially an amazing wife. To be clear, I’ve never thought of women as second-class or in any way inferior or superior to men. We were both created in the image of God, distinctly different and perfectly designed to be better as a couple than as two individuals. Oddly enough, as the proverbs that describes fools, sluggards, the wicked, etc., the image in my mind is always a man. Outside of the specific proverbs that address adulterous women, it’s men I see acting like idiots, so I guess it’s true–I am biased!

As a father of four daughters, my prayer is they would embrace the traits listed here, that they would be as strong and independent as their mom.

  1. virtuous and capable
  2. more precious than rubies
  3. trustworthy
  4. always does good
  5. works hard, tirelessly
  6. prudent in business
  7. prepared for all seasons
  8. kind to the poor
  9. resourceful
  10. full of wise words, speaks with kindness
  11. strong and dignified
  12. praised by her husband

As a husband of nearly 30 years, I see an accurate description of my amazing wife.

This isn’t a list to be checked each morning for compliance, it’s simply an observation that honors those who have found wisdom. More than that, this is a portrait of a woman that put wisdom to work.

Who can find a virtuous and capable wife?
She is more precious than rubies.
Her husband can trust her,
and she will greatly enrich his life.
She brings him good, not harm,
all the days of her life.
Proverbs 31:10-12

 

Time. Years, not minutes. It takes time to see the fruit of a solid moral character as described throughout Proverbs. In a society that always seems to be in a hurry, it’s important to slow down and reflect on the blessings that are right in front of us. When stressful days seem to overwhelm us, when we are at odds with circumstances that could tear our relationship apart, we take a walk and assure each other that our intention are good,  that we are on the same team. My wife is especially adept at navigating these times.

Her husband is well known at the city gates,
where he sits with the other civic leaders.
Proverbs 31:23

The result of selfless intent, my wife honors me and I hope to honor her. The evidence of which is noticed by others, but that isn’t the goal, just an observation.

She is clothed with strength and dignity,
and she laughs without fear of the future.
When she speaks, her words are wise,
and she gives instructions with kindness.
Proverbs 31:25-26

Strong, intelligent, wise, confident, independent–just a few words that describe my wife. Being independent is not often a quality that people appreciate in marriage, but one that is incredibly important to me. She speaks with confidence and wisdom…kindness is a goal!

Her children stand and bless her.
Her husband praises her:
“There are many virtuous and capable women in the world,
but you surpass them all!”
Proverbs 31:28-29

No doubt about it, our children will happily stand and provide testimony to their mom. The bookends of a great poem to an amazing wife, no pressure dear, you are indeed virtuous and capable!

Charm is deceptive, and beauty does not last;
but a woman who fears the Lord will be greatly praised.
Proverbs 31:30

Wisdom begins with reverent fear of the Lord, with deep knowledge of the truth that comes from the Lord of creation. Knowing my wife is one that seeks to honor God in all she does challenges me to do the same. I hope we are better as a result.

Reward her for all she has done.
Let her deeds publicly declare her praise.
Proverbs 31:31

 

Amen!

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Proverbs 12 of 14 – More Proverbs of Solomon

Read: Proverbs 27-29

Several themes wind through these three chapters. I could read these each day and hear different voices speaking truth based on the day’s circumstances. I hope to gain wisdom, avoid being a fool and learn more today than yesterday by listening to instructions written here so plainly.

Fools

Fools, not something anyone wants to be associated with in the least, but something we hear about over and over in Proverbs.

  • Stone is heavy and sand a burden, but a fool’s provocation is heavier than both. Proverbs 27:3
  • Though you grind a fool in a mortar, grinding them like grain with a pestle, you will not remove their folly from them. Proverbs 27:22
  • Those who trust in themselves are fools, but those who walk in wisdom are kept safe. Proverbs 28:26
  • If a wise person goes to court with a fool, the fool rages and scoffs, and there is no peace. Proverbs 29:9
  • Fools give full vent to their rage, but the wise bring calm in the end. Proverbs 29:11
  • Do you see someone who speaks in haste? There is more hope for a fool than for them. Proverbs 29:20

The second bullet really caught my attention: fools are fools all the way through! Before I jump to the conclusion that “they” are bad, I need to carefully examine myself. How many times have I been a provocateur? Or trusted in myself? Or fully vented my anger in rage? Too many times have I spoken in haste. Surely I have been a fool at times. Lord, help me to be less of a fool today than yesterday! Help me to repeat that prayer until foolish ways are erased from my character.

Prayer

If anyone turns a deaf ear to my instruction,
even their prayers are detestable.
Proverbs 28:9

This stands alone in this reading, but popped out to me as a significant proverb that I don’t want to miss. Frances Chan referred to this (among others) in his discussion (aka, rant) about Jehovah’s Witnesses approaching him. The idea that prayers can be detestable is shocking, extreme, sobering. Lord, help us to listen intently to your instruction!

Rulers

I tried to ignore these verses, not wanting to wade into the pool of discontent, but here you go:

  • When the righteous triumph, there is great elation; but when the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding. Proverbs 28:12
  • When the wicked rise to power, people go into hiding; but when the wicked perish, the righteous thrive. Proverbs 28:28
  • When the righteous thrive, the people rejoice; when the wicked rule, the people groan. Proverbs 29:2
  • If a ruler listens to lies, all his officials become wicked. Proverbs 29:12
  • When the wicked thrive, so does sin, but the righteous will see their downfall. Proverbs 29:16

Lord, the leaders in our country fall into these categories too often because so many have turned away from you. I pray that we learn how to navigate the rough waters, that we don’t shy away from the causes that are negatively affected by poor leadership and selfish motivation. Help us to call out the wickedness by shining a light of wisdom with intelligence and strength. Give us strength and courage to stand in this battle with the assurance that righteousness will indeed prevail.

Iron Sharpens Iron

I cannot leave this reading without including this great proverb:

As iron sharpens iron,
so one person sharpens another.
Proverbs 27:17

It is my prayer and hope to surround myself with people that are sharper than myself, harder in a way because they have been through refining fires and persevered honorably giving God the glory. I want to associate with these leaders and learn from their experience to expose my own flaws and hopefully sharpen my gifts for the Kingdom today as well as tomorrow.

There is so much work to be done, so many who are off course. I know I’m far from perfect, but I choose to serve the one who is and who is to come. Lord, help this translate into effective discipleship as I greatly desire to leave a wake of disciples who make disciples.

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Proverbs 3 of 14 – Warnings Against Adultery

Read: Proverbs 5-6 and Psalm 86

Most of the warnings in these two chapters deal with adultery, one of the Ten Commandments that has to be explained over and over again to penetrate our think skulls! Such a simple concept, but obviously a divisive issue that seems to have transcended time.

With repeated warnings, you would think this would be an issue of the past, one we read about and say, “wow, those people were crazy,” but these words ring as true today as they did 2,500 years ago.

Now then, my sons, listen to me;
do not turn aside from what I say.
Keep to a path far from her,
do not go near the door of her house,
Proverbs 5:7-8

Do not go near the house of the adulterous woman…because you know full well what is going on. You know the path, you know the house, so stay away! There are so many examples of strong people slipping into adultery, intelligent leaders, gifted men and women who lose their way. The warning is strong and repeated often in various ways just in case we missed it!

Drink water from your own cistern,
running water from your own well.
Do not lust in your heart after her beauty
or let her captivate you with her eyes.
Proverbs 5:15, 6:25

The Lord created the covenant bond of marriage to be a joyful experience, one where we find comfort at home:

May your fountain be blessed,
and may you rejoice in the wife of your youth.
A loving doe, a graceful deer—
may her breasts satisfy you always,
may you ever be intoxicated with her love.
Why, my son, be intoxicated with another man’s wife?
Why embrace the bosom of a wayward woman?
Proverbs 5:18-20

There is nothing new here in 2017, why be enticed by another woman? With a few keystrokes the floodgate of pornography is at our fingertips. Wayward men and women, somebody’s sons and daughters, who have either lost their way or have never been shown a righteous path attempt to satisfy desires of the flesh. I suppose this is like a drug that provides a temporary escape–there is no good answer to “why,” yet the problem is real. Perhaps this is why the reminder is inserted here:

For your ways are in full view of the Lord,
and he examines all your paths.
Proverbs 5:21

If we really believe that our ways are in full view of the Lord, would we really walk down this path?

But a man who commits adultery has no sense;
whoever does so destroys himself.
Proverbs 6:32

Always in hindsight we know it is a mistake. The temporary insanity that causes us to slip is most likely the result of putting our focus on earthly pleasures and losing sight of God’s plan for our lives. The Tempter is devious and his desire is to see us fail, to fall into traps. Lord help us to hear the warning sirens and reach out to those who would keep us accountable to your better plan.

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Ahaz Comes and Goes; Hezekiah begins

Read: 2 Chronicles 28-29 and Psalm 83

Ahaz

The only good thing I can say about Ahaz is that somehow he had a son, Hezekiah. Ahaz followed the ways of the northern kingdom, detestable practices, even burned his children in the fire as a sacrifice to some god.

In his time of trouble King Ahaz became even more unfaithful to the Lord. 2 Chronicles 28:22

While most of us will cry out to the Lord in bad times, Ahaz somehow got worse! He reigned 16 years as king of Judah, long years for the few who remained faithful–surely there were some who made up the remnant. Ahaz was the king of the southern kingdom when the northern kingdom was carried away into Assyrian captivity and eventually completely destroyed. This provides the backstory for Hezekiah.

Hezekiah

Chapter 29 provides a brief introduction for Hezekiah’s reforms and good deeds:

So the service of the temple of the Lord was reestablished. Hezekiah and all the people rejoiced at what God had brought about for his people, because it was done so quickly. 2 Chronicles 29:35-36

From the ashes of the northern kingdom and corruption of Ahaz, we are treated with an extensive narrative about a king who did well. Turning around the kingdom at this point must have been quite a difficult task. It’s one thing to relaunch a church, this is restarting and entire kingdom as they watch their brothers and sisters (i.e., Israel) get carted off to oblivion.

It is encouraging to think that one man can provide a pivot point for a nation. The featured image on this post represents one man, one starfish, in an ocean that is otherwise empty. I’m sure he was supported by a large group of those unnamed, but he stood as the leader that changed the course of history and extended the kingdom of God’s chosen for another 100+ years. That is significant!

It’s intimidating to think about changing an entire country, even to the point of paralysis. Lord, help us to see this good example and not try to solve the entire problem; rather, show us how to have an impact on the few around us. One at a time, we can change history, though we might not see it in our lifetime. Help us to do this with humble hearts, showing the love of Christ to those we meet. Help us to be content to be one of the many whose names are not listed, yet are in fact the ones that did the work.

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