How about that for consistency?

Wow.  I've been doing splendidly well with blogging on a consistent basis.  My journal writing has been slightly more consistent, but not by much.  I'm going to go back through and post some writings; I'm curious for any feedback you may have--whoever you are.

What foresight

July (8) 20, 2011
Scripture--Hosea 13-14; Psalm 100-102; Hebrews 5
"Let this be written for a future generation, that a people not yet created may praise the Lord:" Psalm 102:18

Observation--Although this psalm's author isn't mentioned by name, how awesome to think that his words would reach me, an uncreated person at the time he wrote them some 3,000 years ago.  What foresight he had.

If it was King David, we might expect he would know that, as king of God's chosen people, his words would be preserved.  But, we don't know for certain.

We do know that the writer was "afflicted."  He was in a deep hole, crying out to God.  And, yet in his despair, the writer recognizes God's power and majesty.  Then, he has the thought of actually want to help other people in the future do what he can, praise God.  Whoa.

Application ("And so, what we have learned applies to our lives today, God has a lot to say in his Book."--While my words may never make it past this page (blog), may my actions reflect a life that is full of praise and adoration to God.  If for some reason a future generation should hear of it, may it be for God's glory.

Prayer--God, help me to live as forward-thinking as this psalmist.  Help me to want to help others--my family, friends, co-workers, enemies--praise you.  Amen.

He was really tempted by all of the same things?

July (7) 19, 2011

Scripture--Hosea 10-12; Psalm 73; Hebrews 4
"Seeing then that we have such a great high priest who that has passed into the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to the (our) profession of our faith.  For we have not a(n) high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.  Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help us in time of need." Hebrews 4:14-16  (I was trying this from memory, which I learned in KJV.)

Observation--The writer of Hebrews had introduced in chapter 2 that Jesus is our great high priest and that he suffered to become such, to make atonement for us.  But, he rose again, and has passed into heaven to serve (intercede Hebrews 7:25) as priest or us.

Jesus' suffering on our behalf--in human form--allows him to be our Good Shepherd.  He empathizes with us when we go through trials and temptations because he has been there, yet without sin!  He can intercede with the Father on our behalf because he went through the same thing.

It's hard--for me, at times--to believe that Jesus was tempted in every way like we are.  I'm not sure why guys always default to sexual temptation, but let's go there.  He didn't have the various forms of media we have today.  But, it all has root in the same temptation. 

For other temptations, any form of power or wealth that may be craved today for the wrong reasons, there were the same reasons back then.  Disobedience is still disobedience.  Sin is still sin.  But, when we do sin, when we do fail, we can approach the throne of God boldly.  Why? Because our faith in Jesus, the great High Priest, allows us to do so!  He intercedes on our behalf, allowing us to find the unmerited grace and mercy needed, when we need it most!

Application--Lord, help me to hold fast to my profession of faith, knowing that you, Jesus, are the apostle and high priest (Hebrews 3:1).  You act on my behalf, having gone through what I have, to offer me grace and mercy.

Prayer--Psalm 73:26, 28 (NIV) "My heart and flesh mail fail, but God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever....28 But as for me, it is good to be near to God, I have made the Sovereign LORD my refuge; I will tell all your deeds."

A Major Funk

June 6, 2011

Scripture--Ecclesiastes 1-3; Psalm 45, Ephesians 2

      "24 A man can do nothing better than to eat and drink and find satisfaction in his work.  This, too, I see, is from the hand of God, 25 for without him, who can eat or find enjoyment?" Ecclesiastes 2:24-25

Observation--Solomon is in a major funk as he begins writing Ecclesiastes.  "'Meaningless!  Meaningless!' says the Teacher. 'Utterly meaningless!  Everything is meaningless.'"

I'd say that qualifies as a funk.

Thing is, I've been in a bit of one too.  More on that in a bit. (Maybe)

Why is he so depressed?  Perhaps he realizes what all he threw away by turning his back on the one who gave him his wisdom, fame and fortune.  He had all of those things, but without God, what are they worth?

He goes on to write that wisdom, folly (although wisdom is better than folly) and toil are all meaningless.  Thanks for the words of encouragement, Solomon.

Ah, but wait.  Solomon points something out.  A beam of golden light in his apparent darkness.  Satisfaction in what we do comes from God; it comes from his hand.  But how?

Verse 26 of chapter two provides the answer. "To the man who pleases him, God gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness, but to the sinner he gives the task of gathering and storing up wealth to hand it over to the one who pleases God."

Application--My meaning and purpose come from God.  Only by seeking to please him will I find enjoyment in what I do.  I apparently haven't been good in seeking him lately.  It shows in my life.  I need to change that.  Starting today.

Prayer--God, raise me up from the funk hat I'm in by showing me the meaning and purpose you have for what I do.  May I please you.  Amen.