Week 42: Innocent Birds

This week's Bible reading plan is as follows:

• Sunday: Jeremiah 23:21-25:38, 2 Thessalonians 2:1-17, Psalm 84:1-12, Proverbs 25:15
• Monday: Jeremiah 26:1-27:22, 2 Thessalonians 3:1-18, Psalm 85:1-13, Proverbs 25:16
• Tuesday: Jeremiah 28:1-29:32, 1 Timothy 1:1-20, Psalm 86:1-17, Proverbs 25:17
• Wednesday: Jeremiah 30:1-31:26, 1 Timothy 2:1-15, Psalm 87:1-7, Proverbs 25:18-19
• Thursday: Jeremiah 31:27-32:44, 1 Timothy 3:1-16, Psalm 88:1-18, Proverbs 25:20-22
• Friday: Jeremiah 33:1-34:22, 1 Timothy 4:1-16, Psalm 89:1-13, Proverbs 25:23-24
• Saturday: Jeremiah 35:1-36:32, 1 Timothy 5:1-25, Psalm 89:14-37, Proverbs 25:25-27

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

Scripture: Psalm 84:1-4
1 How lovely is your dwelling place, O LORD Almighty. 2 I long, yes, I faint with longing to enter the courts of the LORD. With my whole being, body and soul, I will shout joyfully to the living God. 3 Even the sparrow finds a home there, and the swallow builds her nest and raises her young -- at a place near your altar, O LORD Almighty, my King and my God! 4 How happy are those who can live in your house, always singing your praises.

Observation:

In last week's SOAP we talked about the song "I will boast". This week's reading of Psalm 84 connects us with another famous song "Better is one day in your courts". The first two verses of this Psalm are also the opening verses of that song. The writer of the Psalm proclaims his love and desire for God's house, the Temple. He longs to enter the courts of the LORD, yes, he even faints with longing. His heart is burning to be in the presence of the LORD. With his whole being he is shouting joyfully to the living God.

The verse that caught my eye, though, is verse 3: Even the sparrow finds a home there, and the swallow builds her nest and raises her young -- at a place near your altar, O LORD Almighty, my King and my God! The psalm writer paints a picture of birds that were simply flying in and out of the temple. Unlike people, who had to come through the gates at certain times (and not even all people were allowed to enter) birds didn't have any restrictions. They could simply fly in and out. Even build a nest near the altar and raise their young there!

Application:

To me, this picture of innocent birds flying in and out of the temple, is a beautiful picture of how God wants us Christians to live: simply come into his presence without any restriction or obstacle. Simply build your nest near His altar, and raise your young in his house. Simply come to Him, the fount of our blessing, and live in the shadow and protection of his wings. Jesus says in Matthew 11:28: "Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest."

Prayer:

Dear Heavenly Father, thank you that we can come to you as innocent birds. Through Jesus Christ, You allow us into your presence. Through Him, you see us faultless, perfect and holy, even though we know we are not! Thank you for the peace we find in you. How happy are those who can live in your house, always singing your praise. In Jesus Name, Amen.

As you go about your week, enjoy God's presence. Sing his praise, and know that He loves you unconditionally.

In Him,

Dick

Week 41: Boast in God Alone

This week's Bible reading plan is as follows:

• Sunday: Jeremiah 8:8-9:26, Colossians 3:1-17, Psalm 78:32-55, Proverbs 24:27
• Monday: Jeremiah 10:1-11:23, Colossians 3:18-4:18, Psalm 78:56-72, Proverbs 24:28-29
• Tuesday: Jeremiah 12:1-14:10, 1 Thessalonians 1:1-2:8, Psalm 79:1-13, Proverbs 24:30-34
• Wednesday: Jeremiah 14:11-16:15, 1 Thessalonians 2:9-3:13, Psalm 80:1-19, Proverbs 25:1-5
• Thursday: Jeremiah 16:16-18:23, 1 Thessalonians 4:1-5:3, Psalm 81:1-16, Proverbs 25:6-8
• Friday: Jeremiah 19:1-21:14, 1 Thessalonians 5:4-28, Psalm 82:1-8, Proverbs 25:9-10
• Saturday: Jeremiah 22:1-23:20, 2 Thessalonians 1:1-12, Psalm 83:1-18, Proverbs 25:11-14

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

Scripture: Jeremiah 9:23-24
23 This is what the LORD says: "Let not the wise boast of their wisdom or the strong boast of their strength or the rich boast of their riches, 24 but let those who boast boast about this: that they understand and know me, that I am the LORD, who exercises kindness, justice and righteousness on earth, for in these I delight," declares the LORD.

Observation:
The LORD (YHWH) is speaking to his people directly through the prophet Jeremiah. He tells them not to boast in their strength or riches. Anyone who wants to boast needs to boast in this one thing... that they understand and know the LORD. The transliterated Hebrew word for 'boast' is Halal, which means to 'glory', or 'shine'. God is making his point clear here: his people shouldn't glorify themselves, but only bring glory to Him.

Application:
I know these verses pretty well, as we sing a song at our church called 'I will boast' by Paul Baloche, that  has put these words of Jeremiah to music. Yet, when I read these words again, I was struck by the phrase: "...let those who boast boast about this: that they understand and know me...". It struck me, because I'm not the most vocal person when it comes to boasting about God in public. Yes, I've shared the Good News with those who don't know Him, but there have been plenty of times when I 'glorify' myself, or like to bask in the glory of my own accomplishments, strength, riches, and so on. God wants us to glorify Him alone. I need to be more conscious to boast about the fact that I understand and know Him.

God also tells us some key characteristics about Himself, that He likes to be known for: kindness, justice and righteousness. God delights in these, and He delights in it when his children exercise these attributes here on earth.

Prayer:
Dear Heavenly Father, I do want to boast in You alone. You are the giver of strength, riches, and everything else. Keep us from glorifying ourselves, and help us to bring glory to you alone, and your Son, our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. In His name we pray. Amen.

Have a blessed week. For those at Woodhaven Community Church: I encourage all of you to take on the Transformeter Challenge. Simply be willing to join a group and go through the challenges, and let God complete the transformation in you!

In Him,

Dick

Week 40: Living the Atonement Life

This week's Bible reading plan is as follows:

*Sunday: Isaiah 60:1-62:5; Philippians 1:27-2:18; Psalm 72:1-20; Proverbs 24:11-12
*Monday: Isaiah 62:6-65:25; Philippians 2:19-3:3; Psalm 73:1-28; Proverbs 24:13-14
*Tuesday: Isaiah 66:1-24; Philippians 3:4-21; Psalm 74:1-23; Proverbs 24:15-16
*Wednesday: Jeremiah 1:1-2:30; Philippians 4:1-23; Psalm 75:1-10; Proverbs 24:17-20
*Thursday: Jeremiah 2:31-4:18; Colossians 1:1-17; Psalm 76:1-12; Proverbs 24:21-22
*Friday: Jeremiah 4:19-6:15; Colossians 1:18-2:7; Psalm 77:1-20; Proverbs 24:23-25
*Saturday: Jeremiah 6:16-8:7; Colossians 2:8-23; Psalm 78:1-31; Proverbs 24:26

This week's S.O.A.P. reflection is taken from Philippians:

Scripture: Philippians 2:12, 13
"Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose."

Observation:
When Jesus emptied himself of the privileges and prerogatives of Deity to become a human being and when he followed through on the Father's plan to give himself as a sacrifice for human sin on the cross, he achieved what theologians call "atonement"—a word whose meaning, at least in part, is suggested by its three components: "at-one-ment." When Jesus became a human being, lived a sinless life, and then took upon himself the punishment for sin by dying a sinner’s death, he achieved forgiveness for all who embrace him in saving faith. But there’s more to the atonement than forgiveness…

The atonement has as much to do with how we live now as it does about "going to heaven when we die."

In 2:6-11, the Apostle Paul quoted a hymn that the early church sang. It is one of the richest pieces of theology in the New Testament. (As a side note, I would point out that this passage shows us that deep theology can be taught through our songs and hymns…if we are intentional enough to use our music that way…a point that writers of sacred music in previous generations understood better than many of today's popular song writers.) After citing this rich reflection on Jesus' incarnation, life, death, and resurrection, Paul begins the next phrase with the word “therefore.”

In other words, everything Paul says in verses 12 and 13 about living a godly life is based on the atonement, which he expressed in the previous verses.

Application:
We are to live atonement lives. Our lives are to be living, breathing instances of at-one-ment with God. Paul explains how we do that. We "work out our salvation with fear and trembling," which does not mean that we are trying to earn salvation through our works. There is a world of difference between "working for" and "working out."

What does it mean to work out our salvation? It means that we learn to live our lives in union with God. Paul says in this passage that God is in us…willing and acting in ways to fulfill his good purpose. That's why there is "fear and trembling!" It is an awesome thing to be in union with the Living God!

The atonement of Jesus puts us at one with the God of the universe! When a person becomes a follower of Jesus Christ, he or she is filled with the Holy Spirit, which means that God takes up residence in that person…and he or she is never alone again!

Today I want to sit with the reality of the atonement and realize afresh that being "at one" with God makes all the difference in the world as to how I live.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, it is an awesome thing to be union with you, the Living God! Please help me not take that lightly. Teach me what you want of me as I seek to work out my salvation in harmony with you. Thank you so much that Jesus' atonement achieves the forgiveness of sin, for without that, I could not exist in your presence at all! But now that you have brought me into union with you, please help me to be sensitive to your promptings and to live a life of obedience and joy. I pray in Jesus' name. Amen!

Have a wonderful week in God's word!

Faithfully,

Chuck

Week 39: Living Promises

This week's Bible reading plan is as follows:

*Sunday: Isaiah 41:17-43:13; Ephesians 2:1-22; Psalm 67:1-7; Proverbs 23:29-35
*Monday: Isaiah 43:14-45:10; Ephesians 3:1-21; Psalm 68:1-18; Proverbs 24:1-2
*Tuesday: Isaiah 45:11-48:11; Ephesians 4:1-16; Psalm 68:19-35; Proverbs 24:3-4
*Wednesday: Isaiah 48:12-50:11; Ephesians 4:17-32; Psalm 69:1-18; Proverbs 24:5-6
*Thursday: Isaiah 51:1-53:12; Ephesians 5:1-33; Psalm 69:19-36; Proverbs 24:7
*Friday: Isaiah 54:1-57:14; Ephesians 6:1-24; Psalm 70:1-5; Proverbs 24:8
*Saturday: Isaiah 57:15-59:21; Philippians 1:1-26; Psalm 71:1-24; Proverbs 24:9-10

This week's S.O.A.P. reflection is taken from Isaiah:

Scripture: Isaiah 43:1b-3a
Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you.

I have called you by name; you are mine.

When you go through deep waters,
 I will be with you.

When you go through rivers of difficulty,
 you will not drown.

When you walk through the fire of oppression,

you will not be burned up;
 the flames will not consume you.

For I am the Lord, your God,
 the Holy One of Israel, your Savior.

Observation:
One thing I love about reading Scripture in the One-Year format is the combination of readings from the Old and New Testaments. When I first read this passage from Isaiah, I had my professor hat on and interpreted it in its historical-cultural context. I understood the prophet to be addressing Israel during a particularly difficult point in its history. These prophetic words were life giving and hope infusing. But they were written for a certain people at a specific point in history.

However, when I read the passage from Ephesians 2, which states that Jesus united the Jews and Gentiles into one people through his body on the cross, I realized afresh that God’s words through Isaiah speak directly to me in the here-and-now!

It's a beautiful thing to hear God speak directly to us: "Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name; you are mine." It is wonderful to hear God's comforting promise, "When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown." No matter what I face in life, I can rest assured that God will deliver me from it. And I can take these promises to the bank because they bear the signature of “the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior."

Application:
I want to sit with this word from God today and let it soak into my being. I want to let its soothing warmth wash over me and wring every ounce of stress from my soul. This is God’s word to me...and to you.

Prayer:
Heavenly Father, your word is living, active, and sharper than any two-edged sword. It is as current today...and as meaningful to your people today...as it was when you first spoke it to your inspired writers. Today I rest in you and in your grace. Because you are my God, I have nothing to fear...and I have every reason to rejoice, no matter what my circumstances are. Thank you most of all for Jesus, who secures my salvation and brings all your promises to life. Amen!

Have a great week reading God's word!

Faithfully,
Chuck

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