Sunday, July 31, 2011
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.
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 havesuch 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."
Scripture--Hosea 10-12; Psalm 73; Hebrews 4
"Seeing then that we have
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 2:24-25Observation--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.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Solomon not Wise Enough
Scripture: I Kings 10 & 11, II Chronicles 9, Romans 6
"23 King Solomon was greater in riches and wisdom than all the other kings of the earth.24 The whole world sought audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom God had put in his heart." I Kings 10:23-24 (II Chronicles 9:22-23)
Observation: Solomon was a world-renowned king. These passages tell of the wealth he obtained from those who sought audience with him. He had so many horses and chariots that he had to have cities to contain them. He had so much gold that all of his household articles were made of it. He was so wealthy that silver was no longer precious in his kingdom. And how did he amass all of this treasure? People brought it to hear the wisdom God had put in his heart and mind.
Back in II Chronicles 1, Solomon asked God for wisdom and knowledge to rule the people, God's people. God honored him for such a noble request by not only granting it, but by blessing him with riches no one had seen previously and the likes of which have not been seen since. Solomon literally had it all, until he turned away from the wisdom he had been given.
David admonished Solomon to follow the Lord's commands. The Lord promised that if Solomon would follow his law and commands, David's line, through Solomon and his descendents, would reign forever. Solomon even prayed this in his dedication of the temple. He wrote in the beginning of Proverbs that the fear--awesome reverence, respect, obedience and literal fear--of the Lord is the beginning of all knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline (Proverbs 1:7). So, how could one who was so wise forget the knowledge and wisdom he attained and fall out of God's grace?
Some might say it was trying to maintain a household of 700 wives and 300 concubines. I think that's pure insanity. I'll forgo the practical side of taking care of all of these women and their children (I know he was rich), let alone trying to fulfill one's marital duties with each significant other. Good grief. God obviously didn't intend for him to have multiple spouses (see Matthew 19). Seriously, Solomon failed to heed God's instruction.
God warned the Israelites not to intermarry with foreign women. Not because he's against interracial marriages...I'm pretty certain he's for it (I know I am). No, it's because he knew these other nations worshipped other gods, and they would draw the Israelites' hearts away from Him. And, guys, let's face it. Women who have a hold of our hearts can lead us many places.
Solomon's downfall didn't happen immediately, but over time. "As Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the Lord his God, as the heart of David his father had been." (I Kings 11:4) Solomon's demise came from not listening to God's admonition. It was putting beautiful women before God, putting someone else first in his heart before God.
Application: Solomon, the all-wise king, couldn't follow his own instructions. We should seek wisdom and understanding. James reminds us that if we lack wisdom, we can ask of God who gives liberally (generously), without holding back. But fearing the Lord should be the top priority of our lives.
Jesus told us the greatest commandment: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind (Matthew 22:37). The second greatest commandment is like the first, loving our neighbor as ourselves. However, allowing someone or something to come in between us and God will be our downfall.
I need to make sure that my relationships with others, my dreams and ambitions, do not turn my heart and mind away from God. If they do, it doesn't matter how much wisdom and knowledge I seek and ask for.
Prayer: God help me to keep your commandments. In doing so, I will show my love for you. Help me to ask that your will be done in my life, and help me to focus on it, rather than my own will. Amen
"23 King Solomon was greater in riches and wisdom than all the other kings of the earth.24 The whole world sought audience with Solomon to hear the wisdom God had put in his heart." I Kings 10:23-24 (II Chronicles 9:22-23)
Observation: Solomon was a world-renowned king. These passages tell of the wealth he obtained from those who sought audience with him. He had so many horses and chariots that he had to have cities to contain them. He had so much gold that all of his household articles were made of it. He was so wealthy that silver was no longer precious in his kingdom. And how did he amass all of this treasure? People brought it to hear the wisdom God had put in his heart and mind.
Back in II Chronicles 1, Solomon asked God for wisdom and knowledge to rule the people, God's people. God honored him for such a noble request by not only granting it, but by blessing him with riches no one had seen previously and the likes of which have not been seen since. Solomon literally had it all, until he turned away from the wisdom he had been given.
David admonished Solomon to follow the Lord's commands. The Lord promised that if Solomon would follow his law and commands, David's line, through Solomon and his descendents, would reign forever. Solomon even prayed this in his dedication of the temple. He wrote in the beginning of Proverbs that the fear--awesome reverence, respect, obedience and literal fear--of the Lord is the beginning of all knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and discipline (Proverbs 1:7). So, how could one who was so wise forget the knowledge and wisdom he attained and fall out of God's grace?
Some might say it was trying to maintain a household of 700 wives and 300 concubines. I think that's pure insanity. I'll forgo the practical side of taking care of all of these women and their children (I know he was rich), let alone trying to fulfill one's marital duties with each significant other. Good grief. God obviously didn't intend for him to have multiple spouses (see Matthew 19). Seriously, Solomon failed to heed God's instruction.
God warned the Israelites not to intermarry with foreign women. Not because he's against interracial marriages...I'm pretty certain he's for it (I know I am). No, it's because he knew these other nations worshipped other gods, and they would draw the Israelites' hearts away from Him. And, guys, let's face it. Women who have a hold of our hearts can lead us many places.
Solomon's downfall didn't happen immediately, but over time. "As Solomon grew old, his wives turned his heart after other gods, and his heart was not fully devoted to the Lord his God, as the heart of David his father had been." (I Kings 11:4) Solomon's demise came from not listening to God's admonition. It was putting beautiful women before God, putting someone else first in his heart before God.
Application: Solomon, the all-wise king, couldn't follow his own instructions. We should seek wisdom and understanding. James reminds us that if we lack wisdom, we can ask of God who gives liberally (generously), without holding back. But fearing the Lord should be the top priority of our lives.
Jesus told us the greatest commandment: Love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your mind (Matthew 22:37). The second greatest commandment is like the first, loving our neighbor as ourselves. However, allowing someone or something to come in between us and God will be our downfall.
I need to make sure that my relationships with others, my dreams and ambitions, do not turn my heart and mind away from God. If they do, it doesn't matter how much wisdom and knowledge I seek and ask for.
Prayer: God help me to keep your commandments. In doing so, I will show my love for you. Help me to ask that your will be done in my life, and help me to focus on it, rather than my own will. Amen
His Love Endures Forever
Scripture: I Kings 9, II Chronicles 8, Psalm 136 and Romans 5.
"Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good. His love endures forever." Psalm 136:1
Observation: God's love endures forever. From Adam to Abraham, from Egypt to the Promised Land, from David to Solomon, from John the Baptist to Jesus, from the Cross to us, his love endures. God fulfilled his promises made to these people. His promises to us have been, are being and will be fulfilled.
The Word, who was in the beginning, who was with God, who was God, who created the world, became flesh and dwelt among us. He lived a perfect life among us, and died for us, while we were still wretched sinners. He gave us the right to be called children of God. We can be justified through faith, being made righteous through Jesus' loving sacrifice made on our behalf. It's not because of what we do, but because of what he's done for us. It was a plan that was laid out before the universe's foundation.
His love endures forever.
Application: I need to give thanks to the God of gods and the Lord of lords, my God, for he is good. His love endures forever. He has blessed me with a wonderful family, great friends, a good job and so much more. I need to count my blessings and give thanks to him, for they show how his love endures in my life. When things don't go right, I still need to give thanks for his building perseverance, character (I trust) and hope in me. Why? Because his love endures beyond temporary trials. His love endures forever.
Prayer: God, thank you for your enduring love. Thanks for considering me in your creation. Help me to acknowledge your love before others. Your love is apparent in every aspect of my life, if I only stop to reflect. May my expressions of thanks to you for your provisions in my life be a witness to others of your love and grace. May I always be ready to give an answer for this hope that is within me, in hopes that others will also know that your love for them endures forever. Amen.
My Foray into the Blogosphere
I occasionally enjoy taking some time to read blog posts. Most of the time, I have a personal interest in the author: a family member, friend, acquaintance, someone with a common interest, or maybe there's a humorous point to the post. Sometimes, I come across posts after doing an Internet search--no shameless plugs for the leading search engine here. Occasionally, I get a post forwarded to me from someone else on a certain topic. However, I don't typically go searching for blogs.
Blogs are an interesting medium. They can provide a simple way of communicating news and notes with others, without being as restrictive in characters allowed like the various social media outlets. They allow a form of expression that can be very cathartic, although it can at times become nothing more than mental diarrhea.
Blogs allow the author the possibility of a global audience, be that a good or a bad thing. They also provide a forum for anonymous blathering, complaining and outright libel, the latter being a subject many seem to care very little about anymore. I could go off on how anonymous comments on forums, media stories, etc., drive me up the wall, especially when they are fraught with spelling and grammatical errors--written as I re-read this looking for the same. "Now, I don't want to get off on a rant..." Thank you, Mr. Miller. I'll refrain.
So why would I start a blog? Good question. I've often thought it'd be a tad egomaniacal to think I have something to say that others would find worthy of reading. Perhaps I am. I often think about random subjects and realize that writing down said thoughts can help with clarification. And, as the blog title denotes, I foresee my posts being very stream of consciousness--insert snarky depth comments here. However, writing it in a public forum such as a blog would allow opportunity for feedback and critiques from those who might have thoughts on the same topic. But, for me, there's a more specific reason.
Over the past month, I've been attempting to form a good devotional habit with a few friends by working through Wayne Cordeiro's "Life Journal" reading plan. A key part of the plan includes keeping a journal that allows for meditation using a SOAP methodology (Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer). Take a small portion of the Scripture read that day, write down observations about it, determine how one can apply the Scripture/observation to one's own life and finish with a prayer to ask for God's help in doing so. There's only one problem. I hate journaling.
Now, hate might be a strong word, but I've never really enjoyed writing. I dreaded writing papers for school. Give me a test over a paper any day, except for an essay test. The one class that required a daily journal to be kept made for a long semester (my wife may claim some form of mental/verbal communication constipation as the reason I don't easily share my thoughts). The disdain for writing wasn't because I did poorly on papers; I typically received good marks. In fact, I take a bit of professional pride in my written communication abilities. Nevertheless, it's not a pleasure for me to put pen to paper or fingers to keys for a specific, scholastic assignment. So, again, why blog?
From the FAA's Aviation Instructor's Handbook, I know that application is the third level of learning: Rote, Understanding, Application and Correlation. Now, I'd like to think of myself as a lifelong learner. Seeing that learning is a change of behavior as a result of experience (also defined in the AIH), I figured I should be purposeful in trying to establish this new habit. I also thought the use of a blog might be good from an accountability standpoint with my devotional mates. Additionally, I can see the benefits of being able to look back on how God was working in my life at a particular point in time. And, despite my limitations, He might even be able to use my random thoughts to speak to someone else.
So, here's my first post. Please watch your step around this spot for mental regurgitation. I won't promise frequency or quality in any entry. My posts will at times be random. I doubt they will ever contain earth-shaking content. I can't promise piety, pithy ponderings or possible solutions for the world's problems. Why blog then, Kyle?
I hope I just might learn something along the way.
Blogs are an interesting medium. They can provide a simple way of communicating news and notes with others, without being as restrictive in characters allowed like the various social media outlets. They allow a form of expression that can be very cathartic, although it can at times become nothing more than mental diarrhea.
Blogs allow the author the possibility of a global audience, be that a good or a bad thing. They also provide a forum for anonymous blathering, complaining and outright libel, the latter being a subject many seem to care very little about anymore. I could go off on how anonymous comments on forums, media stories, etc., drive me up the wall, especially when they are fraught with spelling and grammatical errors--written as I re-read this looking for the same. "Now, I don't want to get off on a rant..." Thank you, Mr. Miller. I'll refrain.
So why would I start a blog? Good question. I've often thought it'd be a tad egomaniacal to think I have something to say that others would find worthy of reading. Perhaps I am. I often think about random subjects and realize that writing down said thoughts can help with clarification. And, as the blog title denotes, I foresee my posts being very stream of consciousness--insert snarky depth comments here. However, writing it in a public forum such as a blog would allow opportunity for feedback and critiques from those who might have thoughts on the same topic. But, for me, there's a more specific reason.
Over the past month, I've been attempting to form a good devotional habit with a few friends by working through Wayne Cordeiro's "Life Journal" reading plan. A key part of the plan includes keeping a journal that allows for meditation using a SOAP methodology (Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer). Take a small portion of the Scripture read that day, write down observations about it, determine how one can apply the Scripture/observation to one's own life and finish with a prayer to ask for God's help in doing so. There's only one problem. I hate journaling.
Now, hate might be a strong word, but I've never really enjoyed writing. I dreaded writing papers for school. Give me a test over a paper any day, except for an essay test. The one class that required a daily journal to be kept made for a long semester (my wife may claim some form of mental/verbal communication constipation as the reason I don't easily share my thoughts). The disdain for writing wasn't because I did poorly on papers; I typically received good marks. In fact, I take a bit of professional pride in my written communication abilities. Nevertheless, it's not a pleasure for me to put pen to paper or fingers to keys for a specific, scholastic assignment. So, again, why blog?
From the FAA's Aviation Instructor's Handbook, I know that application is the third level of learning: Rote, Understanding, Application and Correlation. Now, I'd like to think of myself as a lifelong learner. Seeing that learning is a change of behavior as a result of experience (also defined in the AIH), I figured I should be purposeful in trying to establish this new habit. I also thought the use of a blog might be good from an accountability standpoint with my devotional mates. Additionally, I can see the benefits of being able to look back on how God was working in my life at a particular point in time. And, despite my limitations, He might even be able to use my random thoughts to speak to someone else.
So, here's my first post. Please watch your step around this spot for mental regurgitation. I won't promise frequency or quality in any entry. My posts will at times be random. I doubt they will ever contain earth-shaking content. I can't promise piety, pithy ponderings or possible solutions for the world's problems. Why blog then, Kyle?
I hope I just might learn something along the way.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)