Week 38: Learn to Look at the One

This week's Bible reading plan is as follows:

• Sunday: Isaiah 22:1-24:23, Galatians 2:17-3:9, Psalm 60:1-12, Proverbs 23:15-16
• Monday: Isaiah 25:1-28:13, Galatians 3:10-22, Psalm 61:1-8, Proverbs 23:17-18
• Tuesday: Isaiah 28:14-30:11, Galatians 3:23-4:31, Psalm 62:1-12, Proverbs 23:19-21
• Wednesday: Isaiah 30:12-33:9, Galatians 5:1-12, Psalm 63:1-11, Proverbs 23:22
• Thursday: Isaiah 33:10-36:22, Galatians 5:13-26, Psalm 64:1-10, Proverbs 23:23
• Friday: Isaiah 37:1-38:22, Galatians 6:1-18, Psalm 65:1-13, Proverbs 23:24
• Saturday: Isaiah 39:1-41:16, Ephesians 1:1-23, Psalm 66:1-20, Proverbs 23:25-28

Our  S.O.A.P. this week is from the book of the prophet Isaiah:

Scripture: Isaiah 22:11
11 You built a reservoir between the two walls for the water of the Old Pool, but you did not look to the One who made it, or have regard for the One who planned it long ago.

Observation:
In this section of book, Isaiah addresses the people of Jerusalem. He calls them out on their attitude toward God. While God is asking them to repent (verse 12), they are partying (verse 13) and occupying themselves with their own business, trying to solve their own problems (verses 8 to 11). In all of this, they disregarded the One who created everything and planned things out a long time ago (our SOAP verse).

Application:
I can't tell you how many times I've caught myself trying to go after my own business, resolving my own problems, without looking to One who made me AND the circumstances I'm in. I forget that He is in TOTAL control of everything, and that He has planned things out long ago. Only if I lean on Him and trust Him in everything, will I come to place of rest and peace. I know that's the place that He desires for me.

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, You have made everything, and You have planned things long ago. Help me to trust you in everything, and to rely on you, no matter the circumstances. I trust in your unlimited power, the power that is in the name of your Son, our Savior Jesus Christ. In His Name we pray. Amen.

Have a blessed week.

Dick

Week 37: Four Simple Rules to Live By

This week's Bible reading plan is as follows:

• Sunday: Isaiah 3:1-5:30, 2 Corinthians 11:1-15, Psalm 53:1-6, Proverbs 22:28-29
• Monday: Isaiah 6:1-7:25, 2 Corinthians 11:16-33, Psalm 54:1-7, Proverbs 23:1-3
• Tuesday: Isaiah 8:1-9:21, 2 Corinthians 12:1-10, Psalm 55:1-23, Proverbs 23:4-5
• Wednesday: Isaiah 10:1-11:16, 2 Corinthians 12:11-21, Psalm 56:1-13, Proverbs 23:6-8
• Thursday: Isaiah 12:1-14:32, 2 Corinthians 13:1-14, Psalm 57:1-11, Proverbs 23:9-11
• Friday: Isaiah 15:1-18:7, Galatians 1:1-24, Psalm 58:1-11, Proverbs 23:12
• Saturday: Isaiah 19:1-21:17, Galatians 2:1-16, Psalm 59:1-17, Proverbs 23:13-14

Scripture: 2 Corinthians 13:11
11 Dear brothers and sisters, I close my letter with these last words: Rejoice. Change your ways. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you.

Observation:
Paul and Timothy close their letter sort of with a mantra for living the Christian lifestyle. They have discussed so many things in this letter, from correcting sexual misconduct, explaining the New Covenant, to encouraging generous giving, to defending against false apostles, and much more! It is as if here, at the very end, they want to summarize for the Christians in Corinth one last time what's really important.

And here it is, a short and sweet list of four simple rules we can all remember:

1. Rejoice.
2. Change your ways.
3. Encourage each other.
4. Live in harmony and peace.

Application:
Wow!! What a simple formula (or mantra) to live by! What if we all did this on a daily basis?! Four simple things that -- if we would follow them consistently -- our lives and the lives of the people around us would be radically transformed. I'm most definitely guilty of not always living by these 4. When I wake up in the morning, and look at all the things that are waiting for me at work, or other obligations I have, one of the last things on my mind is to "Rejoice"...

Yet, it is so important to do this. I will have to pause at the very beginning of each day, and rejoice that God has given me another day to live for his glory. I need to continue to change my ways, and use my talents and gifts to encourage others. And if at all possible, to live in harmony and peace with everyone, especially my brothers and sisters in Christ. When I do... the God of love and peace will be with me, and with you.

Prayer:
May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit be with you all.

Have a great and joy-filled week.

In Him,

Dick

Week 36: Resting

This week's Bible reading plan is as follows:

*Sunday: Ecclesiastes 1:1-3:22; 2 Corinthians 6:1-13; Psalm 46:1-11; Proverbs 22:15
*Monday: Ecclesiastes 4:1-6:12; 2 Corinthians 6:14-7:7; Psalm 47:1-9; Proverbs 22:16
*Tuesday: Ecclesiastes 7:1-9:18; 2 Corinthians 7:8-16; Psalm 48:1-14; Proverbs 22:17-19
*Wednesday: Ecclesiastes 10:1-12:14; 2 Corinthians 8:1-15; Psalm 49:1-20; Proverbs 22:20-21
*Thursday: Song of Solomon 1:1-4:16; 2 Corinthians 8:16-24; Psalm 50:1-23; Proverbs 22:22-23
*Friday: Song of Solomon 5:1-8:14; 2 Corinthians 9:1-15; Psalm 51:1-19; Proverbs 22:24-25
*Saturday: Isaiah 1:1-2:22; 2 Corinthians 10:1-18; Psalm 52:1-9; Proverbs 22:26-27


Scripture: Psalm 46:10
“Be still, and know that I am God!
I will be honored by every nation.
I will be honored throughout the world.”

Observation:
Today I receive God's invitation to rest...to be still and know (experientially) that he is God. The other day, someone mentioned how we are saved by grace...and immediately I was struck by the irony of how some Christians, including myself, sometimes embrace the belief that while we are saved by grace, everything after that is work! I was surprised by this thought because it made me realize that I am carrying more guilt about my life in Christ than I should be.

We talk about the free gift of salvation in Jesus Christ, but perhaps we don't always experience the freeness, the rest, of grace. We unwittingly embrace the notion, “Salvation is free, but it cost God everything...therefore we owe God everything!” Sometimes I feel guilty because I feel I am not doing enough. I fear that I am not being a faithful steward. I secretly wonder whether I have chosen earthly comfort over a life of abject sacrificial service.

I agree with the writer of Ecclesiastes that “life under the sun” is meaningless...and I agree that life in relationship with the Father through Jesus Christ the Son through the Holy Spirit is the only way to truly live.

Application:
So, this morning, after a safe and delightful return home from a long trip, I receive God's "rest." It seems that striving is the natural thing...even in my service to Jesus Christ. But God calls me back to that place of quiet rest. Even worship and God-centered activity, if they become things of my own making, can get in the way of knowing God. So, today, afresh, I rest and know.

Prayer:
This is so much easier said than done, O my God! So please meet me here in my rest, lest I start striving all over again! I pray in Jesus' name. Amen!

Have a great week!

Faithfully,

Chuck

Week 35: The Little Things Matter

This week's Bible reading plan is as follows:

*Sunday: Job 16:1-19:29; 1 Corinthians 16:1-24; Psalm 40:1-10; Proverbs 22:1
*Monday: Job 20:1-22:30; 2 Corinthians 1:1-11; Psalm 40:11-17; Proverbs 22:2-4
*Tuesday: Job 23:1-27:23; 2 Corinthians 1:12-2:11; Psalm 41:1-13; Proverbs 22:5-6
*Wednesday: Job 28:1-30:31; 2 Corinthians 2:12-17; Psalm 42:1-11; Proverbs 22:7
*Thursday: Job 31:1-33:33; 2 Corinthians 3:1-18; Psalm 43:1-5; Proverbs 22:8-9
*Friday: Job 34:1-36:33; 2 Corinthians 4:1-12; Psalm 44:1-8; Proverbs 22:10-12
*Saturday: Job 37:1-39:30; 2 Corinthians 4:13-5:10; Psalm 44:9-26; Proverbs 22:13

Scripture: 1 Corinthians 15:58
"So, my dear brothers and sisters, be strong and immovable. Always work enthusiastically for the Lord, for you know that nothing you do for the Lord is ever useless."

I am in Seoul, South Korea as I write this and it is actually Sunday morning here. Back in Sherwood the time is 3:50 pm, Saturday, August 24th. Here is it 7:50 am, Sunday, August 25th. I lost a day when I flew to Korea. I left on Tuesday afternoon at 2:00 pm and 10 hours later arrived on Wednesday night at 6:00 pm. But I will recapture lost time when I return. I leave for home next Saturday at 5:00 pm and, after an 11-hour trip, I will arrive in San Francisco five hours earlier than when I left!

All that to say...this is really messing with my quiet times! Today for me is yesterday for you! So my reflection today (Sunday) is drawn from the Scripture readings from your today (Saturday). :)

Observation:
Today's readings converge in some striking ways. Job in 14:14-17, Job asks:
Can the dead live again?
If so, this would give me hope through all my years of struggle,
and I would eagerly await the release of death.
You would call and I would answer,
and you would yearn for me, your handiwork.
For then you would guard my steps,
instead of watching for my sins.
My sins would be sealed in a pouch,
and you would cover my guilt.

As he wrote those words, he was in a dark place and had little hope in a future life. But his insights regarding the hope of eternal life are striking! Those who know that eternity is just on the other side of physical death have hope during all their years of struggle. Death for them is not the end, but a "release" into the next chapter of untold blessings. Our prayer life is completely different than it would be if we had no hope of life everlasting. We understand God in a completely different light as well. We realize the he won't discard us after we die. Instead, he yearns for his handiwork, guarding our steps. Rather than counting our sins against us, God seals them in a pouch and covers our guilt.

Similarly, Paul addresses the implications of our hope of everlasting life in 1 Corinthians 15. What I really like about the last verse of this chapter (v. 58) is that whatever we do for the Lord counts. Paul says that NOTHING we do for the Lord is ever useless. When we live our lives for God, IT MATTERS.

Application:
This realization motivates me to spend more time and energy engaging in work for the Lord...and that includes how I go about doing the ordinary things in the day. No matter what I happen to be doing, I have the choice of "doing it for the Lord" or doing the same thing mindlessly, without giving a thought to how my present activity may be used to glorify God. The big difference is the attitude I have...and the level of consciousness I bring to a given task. If I have an attitude of joy and worship...and if I am conscious of God's presence in that very moment, I can turn an ordinary task into an act of worship and adoration...no matter what it is! And NOTHING I do for the Lord is useless.

Prayer:
Lord, every moment of the day belongs to you. You've given me the blessed opportunity to serve you in everything I do. Please open my eyes to see you in everything I do...and help me glorify you in all things, small and large. I pray in Jesus' name. Amen.

Have a great week, no matter you're time zone!

Faithfully,
Chuck

Week 34: Called in Such a Time as This.

This week's Bible reading plan is as follows:



*Sunday: Esther 4:1-7:10, 1 Corinthians 12:1-26, Psalm 36:1-12, Proverbs 21:21-22
*Monday: Esther 8:1-10:3, 1 Corinthians 12:27-13:13, Psalm 37:1-11, Proverbs 21:23-24
*Tuesday: Job 1:1-3:26, 1 Corinthians 14:1-17, Psalm 37:12-29, Proverbs 21:25-26
*Wednesday: Job 4:1-7:21, 1 Corinthians 14:18-40, Psalm 37:30-40, Proverbs 21:27
*Thursday: Job 8:1-11:20, 1 Corinthians 15:1-28, Psalm 38:1-22, Proverbs 21:28-29
*Friday: Job 12:1-15:35, 1 Corinthians 15:29-58, Psalm 39:1-13, Proverbs 21:30-31
*Saturday: Job 16:1-19:29, 1 Corinthians 16:1-24, Psalm 40:1-10, Proverbs 22:1

Scripture: Esther 4:14
For if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father's family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to royal position for such a time as this?"

Observation:
The book of Esther could have equally well be called the "book of Mordechai". Mordechai was Esther's uncle, who took her into his home when her parents died, and who suggested for her to apply for the position of Queen, wife of king Xerxes, who ruled over the kingdom of Media and Persia. It kind of is a fairy tale... Esther does earn the favor of the King, and becomes his wife. And everyone lived happily ever after. Well,... until one of the nobles, Haman, comes up with a plan to exterminate all the Jews, because of Mordechai.

This would be nothing less than a major tragedy, and Mordechai clothes himself in sackcloth to display his mourning. Esther doesn't understand at first why he behaves this way, but then finds out about Haman's evil plan. Mordechai instructs her to approach the king about this, but Esther comes up with an excuse (4:11). That's when Mordechai tells Esther how grave the situation is in the verse above.

Application:
I love how practical Mordechai is. He tells it how it is: "If you keep silent, God will provide an alternative, but you and your family will die. And by the way, has it ever occurred to you that God might have given you the position of queen so that you were in a position to save us from all this??"

What is it that God has called you to be in such a time as this? Has he called you in a certain position that allows you to use your gifts, talents, and resources to expand his kingdom, and save some people from eternal death? That's a deep question, and I challenge you to ponder that this week. It's something that's on my mind for sure. God has give all of us abilities (read 1 Corinthians 12 this week!). How are you using those gifts to expand his kingdom?

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, I thank you for giving us gifts through your Holy Spirit. I pray that you help us to recognize the gifts you have given us, the resources that you have given us, and the position you have placed us in that allows us to reach people for You. Help us to capitalize on those opportunities. In the strong name of Jesus Christ.

Have a great week, and please remember to pray for our Thrive mission team that is going out this week to serve God in a very practical way.

In Him,

Dick

Week 33: Acting Differently

This week's Bible reading plan is as follows:



*Sunday: Nehemiah 3:15-5:13, 1 Corinthians 7:25-40, Psalm 32:1-11, Proverbs 21:5-7
*Monday: Nehemiah 5:14-7:73, 1 Corinthians 8:1-13, Psalm 33:1-11, Proverbs 21:8-10
*Tuesday: Nehemiah 7:73-9:21, 1 Corinthians 9:1-18, Psalm 33:12-22, Proverbs 21:11-12
*Wednesday: Nehemiah 9:22-10:39, 1 Corinthians 9:19-10:13, Psalm 34:1-10, Proverbs 21:13
*Thursday: Nehemiah 11:1-12:26, 1 Corinthians 10:14-33, Psalm 34:11-22, Proverbs 21:14-16
*Friday: Nehemiah 12:27-13:31, 1 Corinthians 11:1-16, Psalm 35:1-16, Proverbs 21:17-18
*Saturday: Esther 1:1-3:15, 1 Corinthians 11:17-34, Psalm 35:17-28, Proverbs 21:19-20

Scripture: Nehemiah 5:15
This was quite a contrast to the former governors who had laid heavy burdens on the people, demanding a daily ration of food and wine, besides a pound b of silver. Even their assistants took advantage of the people. But because of my fear of God, I did not act that way.


Observation:
Nehemiah tells us how governors were behaving in the land of Israel before Nehemiah became governor: they 'stole' from the people by putting heavy burdens upon them. They probably enjoyed a good life style at the expense of the poor and powerless Jews who had remained in the land of Judah. Nehemiah, on the other hand, is selfless. Not only does he not burden the people, but also does he feed 150 of them daily at his table, at his own expense (v18a). He was driven by compassion for his people, because 'the people were already having a difficult time.' (v18b)

Application:
In Ephesians 4 verses 20-24, Paul calls us out "to be different":

20 You, however, did not come to know Christ that way. 21 Surely you heard of him and were taught in him in accordance with the truth that is in Jesus. 22 You were taught, with regard to your former way of life, to put off your old self, which is being corrupted by its deceitful desires; 23 to be made new in the attitude of your minds; 24 and to put on the new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness. [Eph.4:20-24 NIV]

I love one of my Dutch translations, which says, "...but you should be completely different..." Already in the Old Testament, Nehemiah gave us an example of what it is to live a Christ-like life. He had an attitude of self-sacrifice, of putting others ahead of himself. He acted differently because he feared God.

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, help me to be different, to not act conform this world, but to have the mindset of Christ. I pray that you help me to develop an attitude of servanthood. I want to live to your honor and glory, just like Nehemiah. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

Have a wonderful week of reading and studying.

In Him,

Dick

Week 32: Foolish Enough to Follow

This week's Bible reading plan is as follows:



*Sunday: Ezra 1:1-2:70; 1 Corinthians 1:18-2:5; Psalm 27:7-14; Proverbs 20:22-23
*Monday: Ezra 3:1-4:23; 1 Corinthians 2:6-3:4; Psalm 28:1-9; Proverbs 20:24-25
*Tuesday: Ezra 4:24-6:22;n1 Corinthians 3:5-23; Psalm 29:1-11; Proverbs 20:26-27
*Wednesday: Ezra 7:1-8:20; 1 Corinthians 4:1-21; Psalm 30:1-12; Proverbs 20:28-30
*Thursday: Ezra 8:21-9:15; 1 Corinthians 5:1-13; Psalm 31:1-8; Proverbs 21:1-2
*Friday: Ezra 10:1-44; 1 Corinthians 6:1-20; Psalm 31:9-18; Proverbs 21:3
*Saturday: Nehemiah 1:1-3:14; 1 Corinthians 7:1-24; Psalm 31:19-24; Proverbs 21:4


Scripture: 1 Corinthians 1:20-24
"So where does this leave the philosophers, the scholars, and the world's brilliant debaters? God has made the wisdom of this world look foolish. Since God in his wisdom saw to it that the world would never know him through human wisdom, he has used our foolish preaching to save those who believe. It is foolish to the Jews, who ask for signs from heaven. And it is foolish to the Greeks, who seek human wisdom. So when we preach that Christ was crucified, the Jews are offended and the Gentiles say it's all nonsense. But to those called by God to salvation, both Jews and Gentiles, Christ is the power of God and the wisdom of God."

Observation:
Paul's statement in verse 21 jumps out at me: the world will never know him through human wisdom. Human wisdom, in fact, is utter foolishness. There's a strange irony here. To those who consider themselves wise by the world's standards, the message of Jesus Christ dying on the cross for the salvation of human beings appears as nonsense. To those whom the wise of the world consider foolish, the message of the cross makes perfect sense. Jesus Christ is both the power and wisdom of God!

Application:
I am sometimes embarrassed when the world makes Christians out to be stupid and crazy. Some of the criticism is well deserved. There are times when my brothers and sisters in Christ do and say things that strike even devout believers as far-fetched and bizarre. But at the end of the day, there's no getting around the fact that the world will always judge faithful Christ-following as foolishness.

When I make it my goal to look intellectually respectable to an unbelieving world, I am guilty of idolatry. I fight a losing battle whenever I try to make Jesus look credible to those whose pride has sealed them in unbelief. Jesus does not want me to dress him up like a philosopher or guru. He wants me to be proud of him just the way he is. And he wants me to be proud of the fact that I am his, no matter how many people think I'm crazy or stupid.

Today, I will make it a point to consider myself proud to be counted among the foolish. And I will hold out hope that there are still countless others in this world that are crazy enough to join me!

Prayer:
O Lord, I am yours and you are mine. Thank you for making the truth of your salvation available to simple-minded people like me. I count it an honor and privilege to be called a fool for Jesus Christ, and I pray that you will help me stand strong and to be a light to others whom you've blessed with enough foolishness to follow you. I pray in Jesus' name. Amen!

Have a great week!

Faithfully,
Chuck