Using Your Time For God: Day Four

Using Your Time For God: Day Four
(Psalms 57:8, Psalms 63:1, Psalms 59:16)

Today’s devotional suggested creating a schedule for the week and seeing how much time can be redeemed. I, of course, have my work schedule but how much of my time to I plan for when the time is actually not spent working for someone else? How much more could I accomplish throughout each day if I had a schedule to follow?

Truth is, I could probably get a lot more accomplished if I had time planned out for specific things. Firstly, it would force me to work on things smarter. If you only have an hour to accomplish something, you find a way to get that thing done in an hour, when you may have normally pushed that out to two hours. Secondly, when you plan out the day, you think of more things you want to get done than when you just live minute to minute. Redeem the time before it falls away.

If we can spend our free time educating ourselves in some way, we will be the better person for it. Yeah, it is fun from time to time to relax and do absolutely nothing, but do we need to do that with all of our free time?

Awake, my glory; awake, harp and lyre. I will awake at dawn.
-Psalm 57:8

One of the best times to be able to redeem is the early morning. Since so few people wake up early, there’s so much more you can accomplish by being awake when no one else is. Think of all the things you need to do in solitude. Now, what better time to do them than when no one else is even awake…

O God, you are my God; I will seek you diligently. My soul thirsts for you; my flesh longs for you as in a dry and weary land without water.
-Psalm 63:1

What better way to start out the day than by seeking God? No one else is around, so why not use this time to find the face of Yahweh. If we can wake up to His refreshing Living Water, how much more alive will be be…

But as for me, I will sing of Your strength, and I will hail your loyal love in the morning, because you have been my high stronghold and a refuge in my time of trouble.
-Psalm 59:16

Use your time wisely. Let yourself dwell in the stronghold of God. Life won’t always be easy – in fact, we’re told that it won’t be because we are being purified through tribulation – but if we rest against the upright God we will make it through to the other side. So, redeem the time we have to prepare for the times when we’ll feel like we have no time. Be prepared.

Using Your Time For God: Day Three

Using Your Time For God: Day Three
(Isaiah 26:3, Philippians 4:8, Roman 8:5)

All of my time is really God’s time. This is the key thing to keep in mind. We’re usually pretty jealous of our free time, but God is jealous of the time we commit to Him. A common saying in society is, “time is money.” This is very true, God has given us a certain amount of time which we are to be good stewards with. It’s His time, but He’s given it to us to invest in the Kingdom. Are we going to be good stewards and invest that time wisely? What fruit are we able to harvest each day from the time we spend?

Are we using our time effectively? In the devotional today the subject of multitasking was brought up. It was suggested that one of the best times to get planning done was while showering. I completely agree with this. For me, I get a lot of my planning for what I’m going to do at work accomplished while I’m in the shower. Likewise, when I’m driving to work (or anywhere) this is a great time to do some problem solving.

If we train our brains to do some problem solving while we’re doing tasks which don’t take up too much brain power, we’re able to redeem time which we normally wouldn’t be accomplishing all that much. Which allows us to use other time which would be spent doing that problem solving for something else. Before too long, we’re getting a whole lot more done throughout the day.

You will keep the mind that is dependent on You in perfect peace, for it is trusting in You. (Isa 26:3 HCSB)

If we can bring our minds to the place where we’re firm in our convictions, and we’re steadily moving toward the things of God, He will give is a peace that passes understanding. Literally, when this verse says “perfect peace” it’s repeating the word “shalom”. So, shalom shalom; may the perfect peace of God go with you throughout your day.

Finally, brothers, whatever things are true, whatever things are honorable, whatever things are right, whatever things are pure, whatever things are pleasing, whatever things are commendable, if there is any excellence of character and if anything, praiseworthy, think about these things.
-Philippians 4:8

This is a verse that I like to keep remind myself of throughout each day. I actually have this verse written down on a notecard and hung up on a doorframe in my house. It’s good to have this reminder of what we should focus on. We can justify spending our time doing many things which may not be directly against the Word of God, but are those things profitable? If they’re not, why bother wasting the time on them…

For those who are living according to the flesh are intent on the things of the flesh, but those who are living according to the Spirit are intent on the things of the Spirit.
-Romans 8:5

The big takeaway is that, no matter what we’re doing, we should be listening to the Spirit. This comes back to how effectively we’re using the time we’re given. This past week I watched the TV show Stranger Things. It was an interesting show which was entertaining but I went into it wanting to listen to what the Spirit would say to me. I wanted to be able to watch it and notice all of the occult symbolism in it so that when people would want to talk about the show I could converse with them, but also bring up why the writers made certain decisions. And If I’m able to point out the occult aspects of the show, I may be able to open someone else’s eyes to how a lot of our entertainment is programming us to just accept these sort of luciferian ideas. Maybe this isn’t how we should redeem our time every time, but this is a good example of how I try to redeem the time that I spend doing ordinary 

Using Your Time For God: Day Two

Using Your Time For God: Day Two
(Psalms 89:47, Hosea 10:12, Mark 13:33)

Everyone starts each day with the exact same amount of time. The thing that separates us is how we use that time. On the days that I’m working I could probably us my time better but, for the most part, my day is scheduled in a manner that I really can’t deviate all that much from the overall plan for the day. Sure, there are pieces of it that I can swap around, and there are pieces of it that (if I feel that it would be a better use of my time) I can throw out altogether. But, all things considered, my workdays use time wisely.

Now, my days off are an entirely different story! And this is actually something that I’ve been trying to work on as of late. My typical day off is spent on my couch, relaxing. I’d like to say that I do this because I get so worn out during my days of work that I need to take the days of no work to relax and recharge. This may even be a little bit true. But there’s so much more that I could be doing.

More and more I question what I’m doing with my time and what more I could be doing. Even on my workdays, I could better use the time before or after work, but I may as well focus on the days off, when I have the most “free” time to work with. Instead of watching that TV show, couldn’t I be reading the Bible? Instead of taking that nap, couldn’t I be spending time in prayer? Why have I separated relaxing and edifying my spirit? Why can’t they be the same thing?

I don’t want to sell myself short, a lot of the time when I’m relaxing on the couch “watching TV” I am actually watching different Biblical teachings. So maybe I haven’t completely separated relaxing from edifying my spirit. But I still feel that there’s more that I could be doing. This is something that I plan on working on over the next few weeks (and probably over the course of the rest of my life). Do I use the time I have in the best way possible?

I started out by saying that we’re all given the exact same amount of time in each day; my quest is to find the best use of every minute. Maybe sometimes the best use will be to take a nap. But that’s probably not nearly as much as I’d like to think…

Remember what my lifespans is. Remember for what vanity you have created all the children of humankind.
-Psalm 89:47

God knows how long our lifespan is going to be, but we don’t. We should probably make the best of what time we have.

Sow for yourselves righteousness; reap loyal love. Break up for yourself fallow ground; it is time to seek Yahweh so He will come and rain righteousness upon you.
-Hosea 10:12

If the time that we spend is used seeking God, the time that we find in the future will be more loving and constructive. If we seek righteousness, that is what He will give us.

Watch out! Be alert, because you do not know when the time is!
-Mark 13:33

Today could be the day that your time runs out. Have you done everything you can to do the things you want to do?

Using Your Time For God: Day One

Using Your Time For God: Day One
(Ephesians 5:15-16, Psalms 31:15, 1 Corinthians 7:29)

When we’re young we go out of our way to make the most of the time we have. When I was a kid I played as hard as I could because that was what was important to me. Today’s devotional talked about how, as a young student the author’s (R.C. Sproul) favorite classes were gym and recess (mine, too) because he loved playing so much. When I was there, in that time, I would get mad if anyone tried to take me away from my play time. Even when my mom would call me in to eat, I would be mad because I was having a good time playing.

I say, now, that God is the most important thing in my life, but do I treat my time with Him with as much zeal as I used to show toward my play time? Do I rush home from work so that I can open up my Bible and see what He has in store for me? Do I spend my entire breaks in prayer so I can better learn the voice of the Father?

#relationshipgoals

Too often I spend my free time on the couch, in front of the TV. Sure, more often than not, I’m watching a teaching of some sort, but I’m not spending time with God. If anything, I’m spending time looking at Him.

It’s time to draw closer. It’s time to thirst for Living Water. It’s time to be what I’m intended to be.

Therefore, consider carefully how you live, not as unwise but as wise, making the most of the time because the days are evil.
-Ephesians 5:15-16

Am I making wise decisions? The day is evil, all the day long, so what can I do to redeem the time I spend? Can I practice showing love, even when I don’t necessarily feel it toward those around me? Too often I default to sarcasm and derision. I need to practice showing love so that it can become my default.

My times are in Your hand. Deliver me from the hand of my enemies and from those who pursue me.
-Psalm 31:15

If I can sacrifice my time to God, He can use it better than I can. I can try to run it as best as I know how, but it’s gonna be put to so much better use if I give it to God. Only God can deliver me from my enemies. If I try to deliver myself, I usually just find that I’ve walked right into their midst. So why bother wasting my time and energy, just give it to God to begin with…

But I say this, brothers: the time is shortened, that from now on even those who have wives should be as if they do not have wives
-1 Corinthians 7:29

God, and our service to Him, should be the most important thing in our life. This verse isn’t saying to ignore the vows we’ve made, but that we should honor those vows by first honoring the vow that we made with God when we gave our life to Him. Time is short, make the most of it!

Psalm 84

We sing the song, but do we mean it? Do we even understand what we’re saying, if we’re not living it out?

Let’s look at it and see what we see:

How lovely is Your dwelling place, LORD of Hosts. I long and yearn for the courts of the LORD; my heart and flesh cry out for the living God. Even a sparrow finds a home, and a swallow, a nest for herself where she places her young -- near Your altars, LORD of Hosts, my King and my God. How happy are those who reside in Your house, who praise You continually. Selah Happy are the people whose strength is in You, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a source of springwater; even the autumn rain will cover it with blessings. They go from strength to strength; each appears before God in Zion. LORD God of Hosts, hear my prayer; listen, God of Jacob. Selah Consider our shield, God; look on the face of Your anointed one. Better a day in Your courts than a thousand anywhere else. I would rather be at the door of the house of my God than to live in the tents of wicked people. For the LORD God is a sun and shield. The LORD gives grace and glory; He does not withhold the good from those who live with integrity. Happy is the person who trusts in You, LORD of Hosts! (Psa 84:1-12 HCSB)

Let’s start with the one that everyone knows, “Better a day in Your courts than a thousand anywhere else” (Better is one day in your courts than thousands elsewhere.) Take that in. Read it again. Do you have it now? What we’re saying when we read this verse (or sing that song) is that, no matter what I could do in a thousand days (almost three years) I would rather just have one day where I could be in the presence of God.

Forget that there’s not time in heaven because it’s eternal, we’re literally saying that all of the things that we could accomplish in 2 and ¾ years are nothing compared to being near God for one day. And, while this should absolutely be our attitude, how many of us go out and live our life that way when we’re finished singing the song? I’m just as guilty here as anyone else, so I don’t want it to seem like I’m coming down on anyone other than myself. I have my devotions every morning (ok, fine, most mornings) and then I get ready for the day and by the time I hit the car to drive to work I’m usually so entrenched in “the world” that I’ve forgotten what my devotions were even about. And then by the time I get to work I’m lucky if I even think of the Bible, and I work in a bookstore that sells Bibles!

This is so deeply convicting to me that I’m surprised that I’m writing it.

It’s time for an attitude adjustment. It’s time for a compass realignment.

How lovely are Your dwelling places, O יהוה of hosts!

I read the Bible and I seek out understanding, but do I really understand what the dwelling places of God look like? It’s possible that this psalm was written specifically about the physical Tabernacle of God, but the text seems to indicate that we’re talking about the spiritual reality of the places where God dwells and the praise and worship that goes on around Him. Since we’ve already brought up one song, I’ll mention here that another song comes to my mind: “Open the eyes of my heart, LORD, I want to see You.” Again, we sing the song, but how much do we go out of our way to truly see God?

My being has longed, and even fainted, For the courts of יהוה; My heart and my flesh cry out for the living Ěl.

We live so far removed from a time when there was a Temple where God actually resided that we don’t know how to treat our bodies, which are now the Temples where God resides. Look at how much reverence is given to God’s dwelling place here, and we eat at McDonald’s. This is the holy synagogue of the Creator of the universe, and I treat it like it’s a bag of bones which gets me from one place to the next.

Even the sparrow has found a home, And the swallow a nest for herself, Where she has put her young ones – Your altars, O יהוה of hosts, My Sovereign and my Elohim.

Jesus talked about birds, “"Look at the birds of the air, for they neither sow nor reap nor gather into barns; yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not of more value than they?”(Matt 6:26)” They don’t need to sow or reap or gather because they’ve nested, and put their faith, on the altars of God. But we (I) strive so hard to make the most out of what we’ve got. Why not let God make the most out of what He’s given us (me)? The convicting continues…

Blessed are those who dwell in Your house, They are ever praising You. Selah. Blessed is the man whose strength is in You, Your Highways are in their heart.

I love my Creator, but can I truly say that I live in His house? How much do I step outside and sleep in the yard? That’s what it feels like. I want to be close to Him, but I also want to step away and do MY thing whenever I want to. Why do I still want to do my thing? Why is my thing not His thing? Why is this even a thing?

Passing through the valley of weeping, They make it a fountain; The Teacher also covers it with blessings. They go from strength to strength, Appearing before Elohim in Tsiyon.

The Valley of Baca (or, the valley of weeping), was a desert which pilgrims on the way to Jerusalem for one of the Feasts would raise up so many praises to their Lord that that dry place would seem like an oasis. Especially now, with the Holy Spirit living inside of us, we bring the Temple of the LORD to the rest of the world. Wherever we go, there He is. But do I really live that out? When I’m walking through the dry places, do those around me get nourished with the Living Water which comes from Jesus? Or, do I let the dry places control me and my words and actions? I have to admit, it’s mostly the latter. We’re marching on our way to Zion, we (I) have to keep that in the forefront of our thoughts. We will shortly see our King and our God. That alone is reason enough for the smile that’s on my face as I’m typing this.

O יהוה Elohim of hosts, hear my prayer; Give ear, O Elohim of Yaʽaqoḇ! Selah.

We can rest easy knowing that the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob does hear our prayers. We have been born far from Zion but the Feast is approaching and we’re on our way home. The LORD, our God, can hear our prayers, and He can hear our praises. Let this desert become a lake, in the renewal our God can bring!

O Elohim, see our shield, And look upon the face of Your anointed.

Back when this was written the shield would’ve been in reference to the king, but the final King of the Jews has died and risen from the grave, bringing us back into covenant with God. So when we ask God to see our shield and look upon the face of His anointed, we’re doing the one thing which will give us access to His presence. Because Jesus, our shield and the anointed of God, has died for our sins we can now present ourselves as justified before God. And because we have been justified, we can now be seen as righteous before God. Now let’s finish the race…

For a day in Your courts Is better than a thousand days. I have chosen rather to be a doorkeeper In the House of my Elohim, Than to dwell in the tents of the wrong.

There it is again, but this time let’s take a closer look at the second half of the verse: “I would rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God than dwell in the tents of wickedness.” Do we truly live like this? Would we rather hold the door for those going into the presence of God than have a place to sleep, even if it was around those who seek out wrongdoing? If I’m honest, this is a struggle for me. But every day that goes by, every week that passes, I’m moving out of that tent of wickedness. Keep your eye on the prize!

For יהוה Elohim is a sun and a shield; יהוה gives favour and esteem; He withholds no good matter From those who walk blamelessly.

When we’re traveling through life, let God be the light the allows us to see our path. He won’t light the wrong path, and He will illuminate the stones in the path so we can avoid them. His Spirit will help us walk in the purity which will keep us blameless. Yah be praised!

O יהוה of hosts, Blessed is the man who trusts in You!

Though the pilgrimage is still far from over, the path is getting lighter and journey is getting easier. The yoke I was pulling is no longer on my shoulders. What’s on my shoulders now is easy, and getting easier.

"Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." (Mat 11:28-30 ESV)

Devotional Rewind: Is Your Gospel Big Enough

This past week I picked the "Is Your Gospel Big Enough" plan from the Bible app. This devotional plan was very well put together and I got a lot out of it. It also had a decent amount of Scripture reading, which is always something that I like in a plan. I would recommend this one if you're looking for a plan to do.

Is Your Gospel Big Enough: Day 1
(1 John 4:9-10, Jeremiah 29:11, Jeremiah 1:5, Psalms 139:13-16)

So often we think of Jesus as nothing more than the guy who died for our sins so that we could have eternal life. While this is true, He is so much more than that. We tend to go about our lives as if nothing has changed. Sure, we search out what we’re supposed to act like when we’re Christians so that we can pattern ourselves after that, but how often do we treat Jesus as more than words on a page? We give lip service to saying that Jesus rose from the grave, but how often do we treat Him like he’s alive? Being a follower of Christ is supposed to be more than acting nice; being a follower of Christ should be acting like Him. Being a follower of Christ is supposed to be more than reading words on a page; being a follower of Christ is having a personal relationship with a very much alive Son of God.

By this the love of God is revealed in us: that God sent His one and only Son into the world in order that we may live through Him. In this is love: not that we have loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins.
-1 John 4:9-10

Is Your Gospel Big Enough: Day 2
(Genesis 1-2)

This devotional plan is talking about something called “The Four Chapter Gospel”. Maybe I’m out of the loop here but I’ve never heard of this before. Apparently the 4 chapters are: 1. Creation 2. Fall 3. Redemption 4. Consummation. In day 2 of this devotional we looked into chapter 1 of the four chapters.

Why did God create us?

I think that too often we view creation with our 21^st century eyes. Regardless of whether you believe in a literal 6-Day creation, or if you believe that 15 billion years ago there was nothing and then it exploded and led to everything that you see today, we’ve allowed “science” to take away the awe that we should have for our Creator God. God didn’t create us because of some cosmic accident. He chose to create us. He chose to speak the Words which brought forth light. He chose to say the things which brought plants and animals and me and you into existence. This isn’t all some happenstance occurrence. We’re here for a reason.

God doesn’t “need” anything, but He chose to need us. If God chose to need us – chose to open that vulnerability – how can we do anything less than choose to love Him and choose to know Him?

And God saw everything that He had made and, behold, it was very good. And there was evening, and there was morning, a sixth day.
-Genesis 1:31

And on the seventh day God finished His work that He had done, and He rested on the seventh day from all His work that He had done. And God blessed the seventh day, and He sanctified it, because on it He rested from all His work of creating that there was to do.
-Genesis 2:2-3

Is Your Gospel Big Enough: Day 3
(Genesis 3)

On day three of this devotional we look into the 2^nd chapter of the Four Chapter Gospel: The Fall. This chapter is not just a look at the events of the fall, but it is a look at why the events happened, and what we can learn from that in order to walk out our lives more in accordance with the desires of our God.

When broken down to its most basic definition, sin is disobeying God’s commandments. Adam and Eve had only one commandment: Do not eat the fruit of the knowledge of good and evil. When we disobey God’s commandments we open ourselves to the diving retribution of God. The Satan doesn’t have the authority to just attack us, we must open ourselves up to these attacks by disobeying God. The Satan didn’t make Adam and Even eat the fruit, he convinced them to question their God, and this led them into disobedience.

In Revelation 2:14 Jesus warns the church of Pergamum to beware of the doctrine of Balaam. This is the same trick the devil pulled on day one (or day six, I guess…); make the people of Yahweh disobey their God and this will open them up to punishment. Balaam couldn’t curse the Israelites because God had blessed them. But Balaam advised Balak that if he could get the Israelites to sing against Yahweh that they would be opening themselves up to a curse.

Balaam couldn’t directly curse God’s children because they were set apart and blameless. Not even the Satan could come against God’s children until they came into disobedience. We must be vigilant in seeking the will of the Father, and doing everything in our power to stay in that will. If Jesus thought that it was important enough to warn the end times churches about the doctrine of Balaam, it’s probably something that we should still be concerned with today.

But the serpent said to the woman, “You shall not surely die. For God knows that on the day you both eat from it, then your eyes will be opened and you both shall be like gods, knowing good and evil.”
-Genesis 3:4-5

Is Your Gospel Big Enough: Day 4
(2 Corinthians 5)

Redemption opens up the creative process. In the beginning we were created in God’s image, to be creators. When man fell out of grace, the creative process was stifled. But now, that process has been redeemed. What can we create, for God?

Therefore if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; the old things have passed away; behold, new things have come.
-2 Corinthians 5:17

Is Your Gospel Big Enough: Day 5
(Revelations 21)

Restoration

When Christ returns all things will be made new. We have been made new in Christ already but there will be a restoration of all things, in the end. We should seek to create new things for the kingdom. Not in place of Christ, but to show the world what is possible. Messiah will be the one who shows the world, in perfection, what restoration truly is. Jesus is the final answer, but we can show the world what the love of Jesus is like.

“And He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death will not exist any longer, and mourning or wailing or pain will not exit any longer. The former things have passed away.”
-Revelations 21:4

Is Your Gospel Big Enough: Day 6
(John 3:17, Ephesians 1:11)

In the common telling of the gospel story there are 2 chapters presented (Fall and Redemption), and this can lead to misunderstanding concerning a number of things: Our true destiny; why we were created in the first place; what we were created to do; the universal nature of salvation; it is bigger than sin; it allows us to view a difference between sacred and secular, when in our lives there should only be sacred; salvation is about more than just a free ride to heaven, we should seek to know and love God fully while here on earth.

Focusing on this “Four Chapter Gospel” doesn’t make a person more saved than anyone else, but it allows your faith to be something that can take over your life. I think there are many people who already look at their faith this way, even if they don’t think about it in this way. We just need to study the Scriptures and be willing to learn.

For God did not send His Son into the world in order that He should judge the world, but in order that the world should be saved through Him.
-John 3:17

Is Your Gospel Big Enough: Day 7
(Genesis 2:18, 1 Thessalonians 5:11, Ephesians 4:2-3, John 15:16)

We put so much time into our relationships with those around us (well, most of us do – some of us try to stay away from people as much as possible…) but how much time do we put into our relationship with God? I’m not saying that there’s not a good reason to build that relationship with your coworkers, or your family, or your significant other. Relationships aren’t just a thing that we have to deal with; healthy relationships are what promote happiness, strength and growth. But, why don’t we invest our energies in promoting growth with God? Do we suppose that because He is God He’ll understand that we would really like to get to know Him better but we’re kinda busy right now? Is our excuse that God knows our heart and so He knows that we want to get to know Him better?

Well, first of all, don’t go pushing for God to judge your heart. After all, the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked (Jeremiah 17:9). And secondly, if your true wish (your heart’s desire) was to build a better relationship with God, you would be doing it.

You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit, and your fruit should remain, in order that whatever you ask the Father in my name He will give you.
-John 15:16

Devotional Rewind: 7 Hebrew Words

I should add at the beginning here that my computer closed out randomly in the middle of the week and I lost a couple days of this devotional. I did my best to recreate them but if you're reading this and wondering what's up with days 5 & 6, well, there's your answer.

I should also add that if you noticed the pictures with Bible verses I had posted over the last week, they were from this devotional. So if you liked them there's a whole bunch more where that came from!

7 Hebrew Words – Day 1
(Isaiah 54:10)

There is a different kind of love that God has for us than we normally think of when we think of love. In Hebrew this love is “Hesed”. In Greek this would be “Agape”. This is the kind of love we need to attempt to learn. This is the kind of love that we should be emulating.

For the mountains may depart, and the hills may sway, but m faithfulness shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not sway,” says Yahweh, who has compassion on you,
-Isaiah 54:10

7 Hebrew Words – Day 2
(James 2:17)

Ok, this is the kind of topic that’s gonna get me in trouble. But… this is the stuff that this whole blog was based on. The Hebrew word in today’s devotional is “Enumah”, which means “Faith”. But the Hebrew concept of faith is different than the Greek concept of faith. In western world we’ve grown up with a mindset based very much on the Greek way of thought. The Greek philosophical mindset revolves around intellectualism and faith is more a thought exercise than it is anything else. But the Hebrew concept of faith (enumah) is an action. The word literally means “to take firm action.” Think of it this way: Because I believe, I do. Faith is provable. If you have faith, others can see it. If you are living with only the Greek concept of faith, what you have is belief. We are to have faith. And not in the George Michaels kinda way…

Thus also faith, if it does not have works, is dead by itself.
-James 2:17

7 Hebrew Words – Day 3
(2 Corinthians 13:5)

Today’s Hebrew word is the word Tefillah (Prayer). The Hebrew word for prayer actually means to “self evaluate.” How often do we think of prayer in this way? Aren’t we usually guilt of thinking of prayer as that thing we do when we want to ask God for something? Sure, that’s something prayer can be used for but prayer is meant to reflect on the Word of God and make sure that what we’re doing is lining up with what God asks us to do. Prayer is a personal thing, not just your chance to ask for that new car.

Test yourselves to see if you are in the faith. Examine yourselves! Or do you not recognize regarding yourselves that Jesus Christ is in you, unless you are unqualified?
-2 Corinthians 13:5

7 Hebrew Words – Day 4
(Genesis 2:7)

The Hebrew word for “breath” is the word “Ruach”, which is also the same word that is used throughout the “Old Testament” for the word “spirit”. In the mind of the ancient Hebrew (you know, the culture that came up with the entire Bible that we read) breath and spirit were the same thing. The Spirit is such an integral part of our body that it is the very breath we take. How much are we stifling who we are if we’re denying our very breath?

When Yahweh Elohim formed man of dust from the ground, and He blew into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature.
-Genesis 2:7 (LEB)

7 Hebrew Words – Day 5
(John 14.27)

The Hebrew word for “peace” is “Shalom”. The cool thing that I got out of this day’s devotional is that the Hebrew for “Jerusalem” (Yerushalayim) actually means “You shall see the peace of God”. Jerusalem doesn’t invoke images of peace at this point but there will one day be a NEW Jerusalem where we will all see the peace of God. Shalom shalom!

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give to you – not as the world gives, I give to you. Do not let your hearts be troubled, and do not let them be afraid.
-John 14:27 (LEB)

7 Hebrew Words – Day 6
(Psalm 19:1)

We’re supposed to love Yahweh our Elohim with all of our soul. The Hebrew word for “soul” is “Nephesh”. The cool thought that came from this day’s devotions was that in Psalm 19:1 we read how the heavens DECLARE the glory of God. Without any words, the glory of the Creator goes out to all of the universe. If we’re supposed to live our life in a way that shows that we love the LORD our God with all of our hearts and all of our souls, it should look just like the heavens. Let our lives declare the glory of God!

The heavens are telling the glory of God, and the firmament proclaims the work of His hands.
Psalm 19:1 (LEB)

7 Hebrew Words – Day 7
(John 6:19)

The Hebrew word for sea is “mayim”, which comes from the root word “Mah”. Mah is the Hebrew word for “Chaos”. So when you think about Jesus sending the disciples out onto the Sea of Galilea knowing that it was going to storm, He was, to them, sending them out into Chaos. What kind of chaos is going on in your life that you’re facing? I bet the disciples thought that it was too much and they all were going to die. I bet the disciples thought that it was more than they can handle and, if Jesus was going to save them, He should’ve done it hours before He did. But, He saved them, and He did it before any of them died. And because He did it on His time and not theirs, they learned great things about their Messiah. Be sure to trust in God’s timing. He’s got this.

Then when they had rowed twenty-five or thirty stadia, they saw Jesus walking on the sea and coming near the boat, and they were afraid.
-John 6:19

Stand With God: Days 5, 6, & 7

Stand With God: Day 5
(Matthew 5:44-45, Matthew 10:22, Philippians 3:20, Deuteronomy 31:6)

A lot of times being a Christian (a true Christian) takes courage. As an American, I don’t face tribulation like those Christians in Syria, Iraq, or Egypt, but there’s no doubt that if I went most places in the country to told people that if they were going to hell unless they believed in that Jesus had died for their sins and that they need to repent of their sins and accept Him as their Lord and Savior in order to avoid going to hell, I would be chastised for judging people. People would ask who I am to tell them how to live their lives. And if I did this at my job, I would probably face legal action for harassment, or any number of other things which I have no idea what they would be.

But we need to remember that Jesus told us that we would be hated for His name (Matt 10:22), and we need to remember that – even though we are currently living here – we are citizens of a different country. We are citizens of the Kingdom of God and there’s nothing that anyone can do or say to us which will hurt us.

For our commonwealth exists in heaven, from which also we eagerly await a savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.
-Pilippians 3:20

Stand With God: Day 6
(1 Peter 3:13-17, 1 Peter 5:10)

Many times, there’s an easy way out. But that way out usually denies Jesus. Peter had the opportunity to take the easy way out after Jesus had been arrested. All he had to do was deny that he knew Jesus and he was able to not have to go through the tribulation that was coming to him. We often can do the same thing. How often have you not took a stand of faith in order to avoid potential suffering? Even if it was something little, like just letting a statement go instead of saying that you believe the way you believe because you believe in Jesus. Let it be what it is but we need to stop allowing others to think that we accept deviance. By remaining silent, we are showing our defacto approval.

But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect, having a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame. For it is better to suffer for doing good, if that should be God's will, than for doing evil. (1Pe 3:14-17 ESV)

Stand With God: Day 7
(Ephesians 6:10-18, Psalms 46:10, Isaiah 40: 28-29)

Sometimes, as we’re going through whatever struggles have been put in our way, it’s easy to feel alone and like God isn’t there. Sometimes His perceived silence is the loudest thing you hear. But you’re hearing it wrong. As humans it’s very difficult to not act lash out and act rashly. A lot of times when God is being silent it’s because He wants you to be still, too. It’s important to learn to hear the voice of God so that when you’re having those times of trouble you can hear God saying, “no, not that way”. Sometimes all we want us for God to tell us which way to go, but all He does is tell is which ways not to go. In these times, He’s kind of like our radar system. He tells us that there are obstructions in a certain direction so veer left or right. Don’t think God’s not there, he’s still helping you out.

Be still, and know that I am God…
-Psalms 46:10

Stand With God: Days 3 & 4

Stand With God: Day 3
(1 John 5:14, Matthew 26:39)

Today’s devotional was about praying God’s will for your life. I love prayer. I’ve had a fascination with prayer and the amazing stories of the miraculous results surrounding prayer for decades. But, I struggle with prayer more than most other parts of my Christian journey. I’d like to say that I believe in the supernatural power of prayer but there’s the quote that I keep in my head to remind myself that I should prayer more: “If Christians truly believed in the power of prayer they would pray a whole lot more.” It’s such a convicting statement. If I TRULY believed that prayer could accomplish the miraculous, wouldn’t I pray the impossible? I feel like Fox Mulder, “I want to believe.”

We should also, constantly, seek God’s will for a situation. As we pray, we need to ask the Father what His will actually is, but this shouldn’t scare us off of asking in belief that what we’re asking for is going to happen. It’s a tricky one. Don’t throw that little “if it’s Your will” in there just so you have an excuse for an unanswered prayer. Ask in full faith, but also ask to be shown the will of God. In the end, every prayer of a true follower of Jesus will be for the Father’s will do be done, as long as our hearts our turning to His (even if this process is happening more slowly than we might like it to be happening.) Too often we add in the “if it’s Your will” as a just-in-case measure. Make sure your heart is in the right place when you’re saying it.

And this is the confidence that we have before Him: That if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.
-1 John 5:14

Stand With God: Day 4
(Matthew 25:31-40, Psalms 89:14, Matthew 28:18-20)

Ok, so I said I struggled with yesterday’s devotional application, but today we’ve gone even deeper into the parts of my Christian walk that I struggle with: Sharing Jesus with those around me. It’s a scary thing because you don’t want society to think your “one of those people”. But, I guess, so what if I am one of those people. Why am I so scared of sharing Jesus? Honestly, I think it must be because once you take that stand, people are going to expect you to live up to their standards of what a Christian is. Maybe we don’t want to be forced to live up to those standards. Maybe we want to be able to “cut loose” from time to time. Maybe we don’t truly want to change who we are. Maybe we are even scared that we’ll let Jesus down when the world sees us stumble. But that doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t be out there trying to be Jesus to everyone we meet. And if we’re representing Jesus to the world, the world will want us to tell them about Him. You don’t have to be out preaching on the street corner (although there’s certainly a place for that.) If it scares you, ask God to help you show the love of Christ to the world, and ask Him to put someone in your life that you can help lead to the Lord. Or just someone that you can show the love of Jesus to.

And the king will answer and say to them, “Truly I say to you, in as much as you did it to one of the least of these brothers of mine you did it to me.”
-Matthew 25:40

Therefore, go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you, and behold, I am with you all the days until the end of the age.
-Matthew 28:19-20

Stand With God: Days 1 & 2

I started a new devotional plan on the Bible app. Here's the first couple days of that plan.

Stand With God: Day 1
(Romans 12:9-13, 1 John 4:19, John 14:23)

How do we think of our love for God? Are we here because we were raised this way? Are we here just because we don’t want to go to hell? If we truly want to be here, the evidence of that will be that we go out of our way to please Him. We will seek to obey Him and His commandments, not just when it’s convenient. This walks that fine line between grace and legalism, so we need to be sure about why we’re doing the works that we’re doing. We shouldn’t be following the commandments of God just because that’s what we’re supposed to do (although it is what we’re supposed to do); we should be following the commandments of God because He has told us that’s what makes Him happy. And if we truly love Him we will want to make Him happy.

When we’re questioned about our faith will we stand with God? Will we stand for God when we’re being persecuted? Will we be Peter before the crucifixion or will we be Peter after the crucifixion? How will we show our love for God?

Jesus answered and said to him, “If anyone loves me he will keep my word, and my Father will love him, and we will come to him and will take up residence with him.
-John 14:23

Stand With God: Day 2
(2 Corinthians 5:20)
We have a job to do and it’s not whatever it is you fill your life with between 9 and 5 (or, if you’re like me, any given 9-10 hour period throughout the day.) I’m not talking about the thing we do to make sure the bills get paid; we’re supposed to be ambassadors of Christ. We are the standard bearers for the kingdom we’re really residents of. How well do we represent the Kingdom of God? Do we make fun of people? Do we sneer at people when they do something we don’t approve of? Or, do we act lovingly, acknowledging our differences but loving them nonetheless? I know that I am often a bad representative for God. I know that, very often, I do not emulate the love of Jesus.

But why would anyone want to know what makes us so different if we’re not at all different from the world around us?

but sanctify Christ as Lord in your hearts, always being ready to make a defense to everyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence; (1Pe 3:15 NASB)

If no one can see the hope that is in you, do you really have that hope? These are questions I struggle with. My answer is always to read more about the hope. To learn more about the hope. I know that I mess up more than I do right, but I think I’m getting better. I still struggle with my reactions. I still struggle with being more nice than sarcastic. I’ll get there. My aim is to be the ambassador that the Father wants me to be. Day by day I’m getting there. I just wish I could get there faster.

Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God. (2Co 5:20 ESV)

Habakkuk's Journey: Day 6

Habakkuk’s Journey: Day 6
(Habakkuk 3, Proverbs 3:5, James 4:8)

From beginning to end, Habakkuk is a learning experience for not just the reader but also the author. It’s only three chapters long but we start out by reading how Habakkuk sees sin all around him and he wants to know how God can let these things go without bringing His judgment and wrath. We then move into Habakkuk be shown by God what His judgment and wrath will look like, and how God will extract judgment. Habakkuk is moved to cry out for mercy for those he was seeking judgment for a chapter earlier. Finally, we see Habakkuk praising God for all of His great power and His creative strength. This is how every interaction with God should end. Actually, this is how they should all begin, too, but that’s a different story for a different time.

Challenge:

Read Habakkuk 3 again and pause to think about what you are reading. What are the implications of what Habakkuk is saying about God and His nature?

In verse 9 we read, “You laid bare the nakedness of your bow, swearing oaths with the arrows of your word. You split the earth with rivers.” This is similar imagery to referring to the Word of God as a sword. The difference here, though, is that God’s word reaches further. Habakkuk is saying that when God’s word goes forth it reaches its destination, no matter how far away. God’s word is like a missile. This is a similar sentiment as we find in Isaiah 55:11 when we read, “So shall my Word be that goes forth from my mouth; It shall not return to me void…” Both of these verses show the imagery of the Word of God traveling to find its mark. Habakkuk sees that even the midst of destruction, God deserves to be praised for His power and might, and also for His reliability.

This, truly, was a great devotional for me and I would suggest it to anyone. You are shown through the eyes of Habakkuk how God can show Himself to you, the nation, the world. We should be vigilant about our holiness, but not at the expense of falling into the trap of disdain. We should hate iniquity but go out of our way to afford the sinful the opportunity to repent from their actions. Yes, eventually God’s wrath will come down; do you want anyone that you know to have to go through that? And then remember that everyone has someone who loves them so much that they wouldn’t want them to go through that. Everyone has something to love. It’s our job to be that person who loves them when that person isn’t around.

Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. (Jas 4:8 NLT)


(Day One, Day Two, Day Three, Day Four, Day Five)

Habakkuk's Journey: Day 5

Habakkuk’s Journey: Day 5
(Habakkuk 3, 2 Peter 3:9)

God is love. God is also holy, though, and can’t stand sin. We have a different view of God today than someone would’ve had 3,000 years ago. Today we view God as the God who sent His only begotten son to earth to become a man so that He could be the sacrifice for our sins. His love for us is so deep that we have trouble even comprehending it. Because of that immense love we often forget that God is also still the God that we read about in the “Old Testament”. He’s not different – He hasn’t changed – He’s just done something which made us understand how much He really loved us, and we have trouble seeing past it, sometimes. All through the Bible (Old and New Testaments) we read that we are called to not sin, the biggest difference now is that, by the power of the Holy Spirit, we have the ability to live that sin-free life (2 Thes 2:13.)

Personal Reflection Questions:

1. What is the overarching theme of this chapter?

Unlike the previous chapters, this one is a prayer for God to be merciful, and a remembrance of how God has been merciful in the past. We see descriptions of God’s great works and His saving grace. In the beginning of the book Habakkuk was calling for judgment on the nation but when God delivered His answer, and Habakkuk was shown the judgment to come, he started asking for mercy, and for the judgment of Israel’s captors. This shouldn’t be seen as being wishy-washy; Habakkuk was shown the judgment, realized God’s hatred of iniquity, and cried for mercy because of its extremity.

2. What is the significance of “selah” and how should we respond to it?

A ”selah” was used as a pause in the music. In this instance it can be a pause of reflection of all that came before and a time to get ready for all that is about to come. Likewise, we should take time to reflect on our attitude toward all that is going on around us. There is so much chaos in the world that it’s easy to cry out to the Father for judgment. When we get wrapped up in thinking like that it’s good to “selah” and remember the love God showed us when He sent his Son. In fact in verse 13 of this chapter we read of a remembrance when God went forth for His people. And then it says “For salvation with Your anointed.” The name “Jesus” (Yeshua) means salvation and the word “Christ” (Meshiach) means anointed. Habakkuk is not only calling back to a time when God went forth before His people (probably when leading them out of Egypt) but he was also looking forward to a time when God would Anoint His Yeshua to save His people. So we should always remember that while God is holy and can’t stand unholiness, He has already sent salvation to us and we should do our best to call have mercy in mind toward those around us so that they can find His salvation.

3. Thinking back to the overarching theme: What is Habakkuk trying to communicate to the reader?

Habakkuk begs us to strive for holiness in our lives but to also forgive those who are not holy, just as we would want God to forgive us if we were the offenders.

4. How do we take this into our present world and apply it to our daily lives?

There is so much sin and immorality all around us and it’s easy to condemn everyone and everything, but God does not want that any should perish. When the world around you gets all broken, don’t forget that the person in front of you needs salvation just like you did/do. We don’t need to ask for their judgment. If they continue in the way they’re going then it will surely come. But God is longsuffering so that all can come to repentance, and find their Yeshua.

The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance. (2Pe 3:9 ESV)

(Day One, Day Two, Day Three, Day Four)

Habakkuk's Journey: Day 4

Day 1
Day 2
Day 3

Habakkuk’s Journey: Day 4
(Habakkuk 2, Matthew 25:24-26)

Be Vigilant
It’s important that, as we wait for the God to answer our prayers, we don’t just sit there and wait. Habakkuk not only waited on God but he also continued to be that watchman on the wall. This was his duty and he didn’t stop doing his job just because he was waiting on God’s answer. He continued on in faith, knowing that the answer would come.

Be Patient
One of the things that is hard for us to understand (or even want to acknowledge) is that patience is extremely important. Oftentimes we view being patient as sitting around and doing nothing. We’re waiting for something to happen while doing nothing. And, if you’re looking at things with our natural eyes, this is exactly what it looks like. But, if God were to open our eyes to the supernatural all around us (like He did for Elisha’s servant – 2 Kings 6) we would see that while we’re being patient and doing nothing, God is the one who is acting. While we’re busying ourselves with waiting, we’re waiting because our Heavenly Father is moving mountains so that the answer we’re waiting for will be ready in perfection. It kind of puts a new slant on being patient, doesn’t it?

I’ve always viewed being patient as an act of doing nothing. But what great act could we make than letting the Creator of heaven and earth do His thing? This is the most powerful thing that we can ‘do’. Patience is so much more than a virtue, it’s our defining act of submission, faith and power.

Be Empathetic
It is important for us to do our best to try to see the world the way God sees the world. Over the past few days I’ve talked about how we should view sin as affront to God, just as God sees it. We should be outraged by its pervasiveness and not just accept it as a part of culture. But we also should be able to pity the powerful for their greatness which was gained by their sin. Over the short term (and “short” to God can mean something totally different than it means to us) you can gain a lot of prestige and power through sinful practices, and you can revel in that power by wallowing in even more iniquity. But, in the end, you will have your ‘day in court’ with God. Whether your downfall is on this earth or above in heaven, we will all sit in front of the judgment seat of Christ. Pray that your judgment is while you live, and you take the chance to turn from your wicked ways. We all “get ours” so pity those who persecute us and pray for them earnestly.

Be Positive
Don’t get discouraged as you wait for God to answer your prayers. It’s easy for us to give lip service to the adage that God’s ways are better than our ways and His timing is better than our timing, but we need to truly believe it. If we truly trust that this is the case, we can continue our waiting in happiness, knowing that when the answer comes, God will have been moving everything around us to make us ready for the best possible outcome. Continue on with a smile on your face because your Heavenly Father is at work. Don’t move forward in fear and agitation (or, worse yet, fearful to move at all). We have our jobs which we’ve been given, try to have gained as much with what you’ve been given while you wait for your answer (Matthew 25:24-26).

Woe to him who gives drink to his neighbors, pouring out your wrath and also making them drunk in order to see their nakedness! You will be sated with shame rather than glory. Drink also yourself, and expose yourself! The cup of the right hand of Yahweh will come around upon you and disgrace upon your glory.
-Habakkuk 2:15-16

Habakkuk's Journey: Day 3

Day 1
Day 2

Habakkuk’s Journey – Day 3
(Habakkuk 2)
We need to constantly remind ourselves that God’s ways are better than our ways, and if He’s withholding judgment for the time being, there’s probably a good reason. Our job is to seek out His will and discern what our next action should be.

Personal Reflection Questions

1. Focus on verse 1 for a moment and think about the importance of this verse. Explain your thoughts on this.

When we’re not sure of what it is God wants us to do, it is important that we not just listen for God’s reply but also position ourselves in a good place to see God’s response. Habakkuk says that he will station himself at the rampart to keep watch. This can be taken two ways. He is either stationing himself as a watchman on the wall in anticipation of hearing the Word of God, or he is being a watchman in anticipation of the oncoming attack from the Babylonians so that he will be ready when Yahweh’s judgment comes down. Personally, I think that both of these meaning apply hear. He will not only position himself in a place where he’ll be able to hear God’s answer but he will also be able to act as the watchman on the wall and inform his brethren of invasion.

2. How did God choose to answer Habakkuk and what does it say about how we should listen?

Habakkuk is told to wait patiently. He’s told to not grow impatient because the message is surely coming, even if the timing is not known. In verse 4 we reach a key verse which was not only Martin Luther’s life’s verse, but also, probably, the impetus of the books of Romans, Galatians and Hebrews (Paul sure liked to expound on this one). The just shall live by faith. We often overlook the beginning of this verse, though. We are to live in contrast to the prideful. We are to stand on our faith. In our society pride has become a badge of honor. In the distant past pride was one of the “7 Deadly Sins”, not that I know of any reason to separate these sins as being any more deadly than any of the others (or, frankly, I’m not sure that any on the list are actual sins, when you use 1 John 3:4 as your definition of “sin” is), but the takeaway is that pride was considered to be a bad thing. Today pride is looked upon as a good thing. We’re to take pride in our work. We’re to take pride in our family. We even currently have a community (based upon a sin) that embraces the word “pride” as their definition. As I’m writing this in June, we are in “Pride Month”. As Christians, we need to step away from this mindset of pride being a good thing and embrace our faith in Jesus Christ so that we can be found righteous when God sends His word to us. It is our faith which will keep us ready to listen.

3. Why do you think God used the word “woe” while speaking to Habakkuk instead of another word such as “cursed”?

The word used here (הוֹי– “hoy” H1945) implies waiting. Where just saying “cursed” could have the same general meaning, saying “woe” implies delayed judgment. Throughout this entire passage God was telling Habakkuk that the judgment was coming, even if it was tarrying. So by using this word He was just reiterating that Habakkuk should wait for it.

4. How can we take this into our daily lives?

While God’s timing is perfect, we are not. When we’re waiting for an answer from God (hopefully we’re not waiting for judgment) on whatever it is we’re anticipating, we need to remind ourselves that God is going to provide the answer when it is going to be best for us and for His plans. But, we should also be seeking to position ourselves to be in the right place to hear God’s response. And, quite probably, it will be us putting ourselves in the right position which will trigger the response anyway.

Habakkuk's Journey: Day 2

Day 1

Habakkuk’s Journey – Day 2
(Habakkuk 1, Genesis 50:20)
There are multiple ways to look at any one thing. Not all of them have to be one or the other. In any given situation we need to ask ourselves, what does God want me to take from this.

Challenge:
Read Habakkuk one more time and try to see the message a hope for things to come.

Iniquity may rage on around us but every day that God delays judgment is another day that we can try to pull as many people out of that iniquity. We need to take every opportunity we’re given. A day that we put off trying to save our brothers and sisters from the iniquity is tantamount to a day that we’re asking God to punish them. Do they deserve it? Yes. But so do we. We all deserve it. God has shown us grace by sending His Son, and the grace given to me is not greater than the grace allotted for them. There is no end to grace. There’s no bucket full of grace and when the bucket is empty then the grace is over. Grace is infinite just as the Father is.

This doesn’t mean that we don’t anger the Father. And this doesn’t mean that we can’t provoke judgment and tribulation. This doesn’t even mean that people don’t take advantage of grace, and use it as an excuse to sin. I would even argue that it’s possible that those who act in such a way never knew Jesus to begin with. But there is no bucket of grace, existing in wait for the last drop to be doled out.

So we live on, day by day, anticipating judgment but thankful for its delay. Don’t waste the days we’re given. Follow the example of Messiah, living a life free from sin, not afraid to speak in love to our brothers and sisters who embrace iniquity. Let them know the road they’re traveling down, but don’t push them away by their words. Some will hate you for it. Jesus said, in Matthew 10:22-23, “and you will be hated by all for My Name’s sake. But he who endures to the end will be saved. When they persecute you in this city, flee to another…”

It is the love that Jesus modeled for us that drives us on, looking past the sin and finding the person. And then loving that person and calling them to repent and turn from their sin. That’s the love that Jesus modeled.

As for you, you planned evil against me but God planned it for good, in order to do this – to keep many people alive – as it is today.
-Genesis 50:20

Habakkuk's Journey: Day 1

I started doing a new devotional plan on the Bible app and while I normally post the recap each week, the recap for the first day became much longer than a normal day that I've had recently. So I decided to just post this one daily. I don't know what's going to come tomorrow but today I got a LOT out of it. If tomorrow isn't quite as big then maybe I'll add a couple of days together. In any case, here's day one...

Habakkuk’s Journey: Day One
(Habakkuk 1)
It’s so easy for us to challenge someone else when we feel that they’re wrong in what they’re presenting us, but do we automatically get defensive when we’re challenged? Why do we think that the person across from us who’s challenging us is doing it for a different reason that we would challenge them for? Aren’t they doing it, also, because they feel that we’re wrong? And what about when God challenges us? There’s no chance that we’re right and God’s wrong, but how quick are we to get defensive when God challenges us, and how quick are we to challenge even God?

Personal Reflection Questions

1. What theme stood out the most when you read Habakkuk 1?

The theme seemed to be delayed judgment. Habakkuk was crying out, wondering how long Yahweh would wait before He judged the lawlessness and perversion.

      2. Why do you think this book made it into Canon? What do you think God’s purpose for this chapter is?

I see this book as speaking to holiness. Maybe this isn’t the main point but, to me, how great would it be to be so offended by the lawlessness around you that you cry out to God, wondering when He’ll send His judgment? God is truly Holy, and He can’t stand even thought of lawlessness; so what would it be like to have the roles reversed and be the one crying out to the Father because of the iniquity all around. That’s a great place to be because then you can learn something new. You can learn to start looking at things from His perspective, and think like God, and see His plans come to fruition.

3. What was the concern during the time of this writing?

When Habakkuk was writing the people around him were in rebellion to God, and their lawless deeds were obvious. But, in the distance, there was also the concern of invasion. Ninevah, the capital of Assyria, had just fallen to the Babylonians and there was the very real threat that Jerusalem could be besieged any day. So to Habakkuk, who had been shown the iniquity of the people, the question of how long would God put off judgment was very relevant, and very concerning.

4. How does it translate to where we are now?

I don’t have the enthusiasm of Habakkuk, but I’m learning it. We live in a time where lawlessness is all around us. We call ourselves God’s people but we promote sin at every turn. In the name of “love” we accept what the Bible tells us to separate ourselves from. While it is admirable to go into the den of sin to save the sinners from their final judgment, that is not an excuse to join them in their sin. We are to be an example to them; a shining light; a city on a hill. And yet, we embrace sin in our houses of worship in the name of making people feel loved. I don’t want to come off like a street preacher, yelling at everyone, telling them that they’re sinners and they’re going to hell but it’s something close to that. Shouldn’t we, in love, show people their sin so that they are able to turn from their wicked ways? Shouldn’t we be as offended by iniquity as God is? He came to us, in our lawlessness, and preached righteousness, in love. He lived among us and loved us, but He never sinned. He never embraced iniquity in order to make us feel better about our iniquity. When the woman caught in adultery was about to be stoned to death, he asked who her accusers were and said “he who is without sin cast the first stone.” But when her accusers had gone away He also told the woman to go and sin no more. He didn’t tell her that what she did was alright. He showed her acceptance, but He didn’t show acceptance of her behavior.

How long, O Lord, will you put up with us for putting up with iniquity in the Body of your Son? We can see the oncoming persecution all around us; when will You release it? When will You stop holding it off?
 

   Therefore the law is paralyzed, and the justice does not go forth perpetually. For the wicked surround the righteous; therefore justice goes forth perverted.

-Habakkuk 1:4