Bruce's Bible Blog

Going to the Enemy

noreply@blogger.com (Bruce S) — Tue, 09 Feb 2016 03:33:00 +0000

For Monday, February 8

Acts 10 (click to read)

Acts 10:28,29 He said to them: “You are well aware that it is against our law for a Jew to associate with or visit a Gentile. But God has shown me that I should not call anyone impure or unclean. So when I was sent for, I came without raising any objection. May I ask why you sent for me?”

This chapter is very important for we Christians in our time. It is especially important for we believers who are of "western civ" heritage. In this series of events, God breaks open the Gospel to the world and breaks down prejudice and revenge as obstacles to His Kingdom. The points quickly:
1 - Peter is instructed by God that his aversion and prejudice against Roman people is not what God wants. In fact, God wants Peter himself to destroy this barrier and welcome this enemy, this anti-Jew (as far as Peter was concerned, these are "true" facts.)
2 - Peter obeys the Spirit despite his hatred and/or fear and/or prejudice and goes to the enemy. He doesn't just wait for the enemy to come "crawling" to him - he goes. He follows the Spirit's instruction that is both outside his comfort zone and probably outside his safety zone.
3 - He listens to this enemy. He lets the enemy tell him what he wants to know about. (Remember God Space - GREAT example of making space for God.) He believes if he will listen, he will be able to supply the message and meaning the (now, not so) enemy wants to hear.
4 - Peter declares a change of heart for himself, and expansion of grace for the work of Christ, and his own humility and obedient response to the direction of God.
5 - If he had been the outspoken self-assured Peter of the past, he might have said something like "I don't care what you tell me about yourself, you are the enemy and I know it. I will never change my mind about that." But he was a transformed man, his weaknesses and failures forgiven, his humility growing in the face of the wisdom and perspectives of Christ.

May you and I be so fortunate as to learn these Kingdom lessons - and soon.

Deep and Wide - Thoughts, That Is

noreply@blogger.com (Bruce S) — Wed, 20 Jan 2016 00:45:00 +0000

Tuesday, January 19

Mark 12 (click to read)

17 Then Jesus said to them, “Give back to Caesar what is Caesar’s and to God what is God’s.” And they were amazed at him...29 “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’

Like many chapters of the Gospel of Mark, this one has 5 or 6 great applications, each in a short direct paragraph. I love the first part - the Parable of the Renters. It contains both an affirmation and a warning. The affirmation is that when I give my life and all to Jesus, I am on track with God. The warning is I must remember that I can become like the renters in attitude and action, thinking my life and spiritual growth are of my own doing. They are not - they are from God and His Spirit.

The verses I selected have another powerful angle to them. It is not just that Jesus cleverly handled the question about taxes and secular authority. But with his answer, he challenges every believer to keep reflecting about these things. There is no listing of "what is Caesar's" and what is God's. And I think sometimes, depending on circumstances, those lists might overlap and switch an item or two. But the key to making good choices about all this is Jesus' answer to what is the greatest commandment. If I love God with all I have, and treat my neighbor with the some love God treats me, I will, in fact, be able to serve my culture and secular system appropriately while keep God clearly in top place. If I combine that with the clarity of the parable, I will remember to whom my life, choices, service and love belong.

Lord Jesus, we are so blessed that You have not given us instructions that have no flexibility. Rather, You have gifted us with words and thoughts that have great depth and challenge us to mature as Your followers. Give me the wisdom of Your Spirit today and every day.

Impact Verses

noreply@blogger.com (Bruce S) — Mon, 04 Jan 2016 03:12:00 +0000

"He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” He stretched it out, and his hand was completely restored. - Mark 3:5 http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Mark3:5&version=NIV

This story is one of the most important to me for my faith and following of Jesus. It breaks away from religion and rules set by religious people. I freely admit there are Christians and "Christian leaders" who I consider merely religious people because they seem to completely ignore this amazing, compassionate and revolutionary action of Jesus. I make no claim that I am right and they are wrong. But I do claim that I want to follow Jesus, and this story says something like "I don't care what your rules are. What does Jesus want to have happen? That's what I want to do, that's who I want to be!"

Dear Jesus, continually teach me and build these values into my life as I follow You. I what to be Your person, not a religious person.

So Much Better - Such a Gift

noreply@blogger.com (Bruce S) — Wed, 16 Dec 2015 02:41:00 +0000

For Tuesday, December 15, 2015

Jeremiah 31:23-40 (click to read)

31 The Lord says, “The time is coming when I will make a new covenant with the people of Israel and with the people of Judah. 32 It will not be like the old covenant that I made with their ancestors when I took them by the hand and led them out of Egypt. Although I was like a husband to them, they did not keep that covenant. 33 The new covenant that I will make with the people of Israel will be this: I will put my law within them and write it on their hearts. I will be their God, and they will be my people.

This chapter and these verses in particular are just amazing. The entire context and practice of spiritual life and connection with God changes here. God declares that we who devote ourselves to follow will no longer have to guess what is God's will. We will have a connection with God from an internal source. We will have a growing, accurate sense of what we are to be and do. And instead of being "treated" like children, God will transform us into people who both know and desire to do God's will. This, of course, is the foretelling of the Gift of the Holy Spirit. It is the Old Testament pointing to the complete change of relationship with God that will be created by Jesus' coming (Christmas) and the Holy Spirit staying (Pentecost).

Our role in this is vitally important: we are to receive, we are to internalize and reflect, we are to be changed in heart (Old Testament talk for our will, devotion and commitments). And like anything that we want to grow, we must value, nurture and expand this "law of God on our hearts." What a gift to be given by the Creator of the Universe. This is one more indication and aspect of how much God wants me and you in connection with Him, one more action that shows what God is willing to do and go through (Easter) to bring us into His love and bring Him into our hearts.

Jesus, help me, guide me, empower me to value as most dear Your Presence in my life. Help me to nurture all that helps me listen, know and respond. Help me turn away from all that blocks or desensitizes my heart to Your Will and Lead.

Wonderful OT Reminder of What Christmas is About

noreply@blogger.com (Bruce S) — Sat, 05 Dec 2015 17:10:00 +0000

For Saturday, December 5, 2015

Isaiah 40 (click to read)

1“Comfort my people,” says our God. “Comfort them! 2Encourage the people of Jerusalem. Tell them they have suffered long enough and their sins are now forgiven. I have punished them in full for all their sins.” 3 A voice cries out, “Prepare in the wilderness a road for the Lord! Clear the way in the desert for our God!

Every verse of this passage shouts and sings to my spirit. Certainly one of my favorite Old Testament chapters, and partially because of a professor that had me (and other classmates) spend several days on these verses. It resonates with me always:
- the comfort declared when I am tired or discouraged or lack vision of God;
- the reminder that creation is incredible, but really nothing compared to the power, majesty and pure "otherness" of God;
- the reminder that all things humans value and worship are merely objects and entities created by God;
- the correction that God is completely aware of me and my circumstances and struggles even if I don't think it to be true;
- the emphasis that God's intent for me is comfort, strength, forgiveness and confidence.

Yea - wonderful Christmas message for all these things are in the purposes of Jesus Christ coming to earth.

Lord God, I so often minimize what it means to be Your child. I fail to keep in mind and heart these ideas of Who You Are and What You Want for us all. Thank You for this timely and eternal reminder.

I Hold On to This

noreply@blogger.com (Bruce S) — Tue, 01 Dec 2015 03:27:00 +0000

For Monday, November 30, 2015

Psalm 24 (click to read)

1 The world and all that is in it belong to the Lord; the earth and all who live on it are his.

The world, of course, is crazy. That is to be expected. The wars, terrors, drought, food shortages, politics over poverty, fear, hatred, all of it. But what really gets me are those who say they are Christians and are just as crazy in their actions, statements and perspectives. I know I am talking from MY perspective, but do those fear-mongers who claim faith believe this Psalm and this verse at all? Do they believe - as I do - that the Earth and all her peoples, cultures, activities ultimately belong to the Lord? The lessons of the lives of many who have gone before us teach that we are not to expect things to go our way just because, but we are to trust God and live the values and ethics of Jesus ANYWAY! Those who have given their physical lives following Jesus teach us that earthly survival or victory are not relevant to faith. They teach us that our lives are "hidden with Christ" and God's Spirit is our safety. Jesus says the same thing when He warns us to be concerned about spiritual security, not earthly security. Now I freely admit I have fears, I get anxious, I do not live as courageously and clearly as I want to. But on my way growing to these goals, I will trust the verse and truth above. The Lord IS the King of Kings, and to Him and His keeping I will give my life, spirit and devotion.

Help me, Lord, to live out the truth of Your Kingship in my life every day. Let my faith in Your Security free me from destructive thoughts, actions and statements so that I can live every day more fully trusting You, less concerned and controlled by the craziness, fear and insecurity of this world of which I am a part.

Thankfulness Breaking Out

noreply@blogger.com (Bruce S) — Wed, 25 Nov 2015 01:49:00 +0000

For Tuesday, November 24, 2015

Psalm 98 (click to read)

1 Sing a new song to the Lord; he has done wonderful things! ... 8 Clap your hands, you rivers; you hills, sing together with joy before the Lord, 9because he comes to rule the earth. He will rule the peoples of the world with justice and fairness.

Not everybody breaks out in song or grabs and instrument to play when they are happy. But we all will clap. So I like this verse of celebration and joy. I have had the experience of writing a "new song" to the Lord. It was many years ago when I fancied myself a musician (now that I know real musicians, I understand my weaknesses). And the expressions of honest and deep praise were just breaking out of me. I know I need that same expression of joy, gratitude, praise and honor to keep happening in me and out of me. So I am glad for this Psalm and the encouragement to "let it fly." This Thanksgiving season, I have much to be grateful for and, who knows, the guitar might just break out in praise one of these days as I reflect, rejoice, and renew my focus on our Great and Good God, the Ruler of All and the Love that Creates and Sustains the Universe.

Thank You, Lord, for the various ways You have built into our lives to rejoice and give thanks. Let our hearts and spirits sing and clap in praise to You, for all You've done.

Much Needed Comfort

noreply@blogger.com (Bruce S) — Wed, 18 Nov 2015 03:14:00 +0000

Psalm 90: ¹O Lord, you have always been our home...
¹²Teach us how short our life is,
so that we may become wise.

Reading that first verse today is very powerful for me. It reminds me that whatever today is about, there is a permanent and eternal location for my life and my spirit. I tend to forget that I have a fully guaranteed place I belong. I am very grateful that Jesus has taken away the separation between God and me. That home is a great foundation for living each day as joyfully as one possibly can.

This verse 12 then tells me that I must become wise about the fleeting years of my life. As we age, we discover the truth of these words. We long for wisdom to be the mark of our actions, and love and justice to be the measure of our attitudes. We have God's Spirit with us at all times to guide into these attributes. And I'm grateful that we have the Bible with the life of Jesus showing us what it looks like to be a God guided person at all times.

"Spirit of God, thank you for this reminder of both the importance of each moment and the guarantee and surety of our life. Help me remember every day that I belong completely to you and that each moment is an opportunity to serve you."

Growing in Thanksgiving and Response

noreply@blogger.com (Bruce S) — Fri, 13 Nov 2015 00:51:00 +0000

For Thursday, November 12, 2015

Psalm 81 (click to read)

1 Shout for joy to God our defender; sing praise to the God of Jacob! 2 Start the music and beat the tambourines; play pleasant music on the harps and the lyres.

Two sections impacted me today. This first one is about celebrating God's goodness, gifts, presence and "our defender." With Thanksgiving coming up, and Celebration Sunday this weekend, the verses really lifted my heart in praise to God. I want to express gratitude, wonder and praise for God's work in my life and those I love and know. God is involved in transformation in so many ways. Even as I write this, I am giving thanks for God's work in three or four people going on right now. And, because of God's great love for all, I am mentioning three or four others to God and asking that God's Spirit be powerfully active in their lives.

8 Listen, my people, to my warning; Israel, how I wish you would listen to me!.

Four times in this Psalm, God expresses a great desire that I (we!) would listen. This is a current goal for my spiritual life - to be more skilled in listening, to be more attentive to whispers that come my way. I want to be more responsive to God's guidance, mission and direction in my life. I want to be active into every opportunity to serve the Cause of Christ and to grow myself as a Jesus Follower.

Lord God - I give You praise and joyful celebration for all You have done in me, for me, around me. Help me be ever more responsive to the spiritual opportunities for my growth and for my service that I know You continually send my way.

God's Prescription to Overcome Depression and Burnout

noreply@blogger.com (Bruce S) — Fri, 23 Oct 2015 01:11:00 +0000

For Thursday, October 22, 2015

1 Kings 19 (click to read)

13 When Elijah heard it, he covered his face with his cloak and went out and stood at the entrance of the cave. A voice said to him, “Elijah, what are you doing here?”

This is one of the most helpful passages in the Bible, and a strong personal favorite. The pattern to recovery from depression and burnout are right there. In one way it is the miracle story of God rescuing His servant, but in another, it is a very practical instruction for us when life has taken us down. Clearly, Elijah was both burned out and depressed. After his very courageous confrontation and stand against King Ahab and the 450 prophets of Baal, he broke down and ran from the threats of the queen. A total reversal of behavior that clearly indicates big things were wrong in his emotional and physical condition.

BIG ITEM NOW - this shows that even the most spiritual and well conditioned person can go through great depression, burn out and collapse. So let's have none of that "if you only had enough faith, if you only stayed close to Jesus" this would not happen to you. This passage breaks all those accusing arguments. So, if you have gone through this, be accepting of the experience and put God's healing instructions into play.

What are they? Just read through the passage - they pop right out: take a big break, rest, more rest, proper eating and nutrition (I'm thinking a meal from the angels was very delicious healthy food), getting to a quiet place, reflection, prayer, telling your story to someone (notice God asked him twice - not to correct him, but to help him process), get a realistic view of the conditions and circumstances, find help and partnership. WOW! The full health recovery recipe right here.

Lord God - in our frailties and in our lack of proper self care, we sometimes experience depression, burn out, unreasonable fear and panic. Just as You did with Elijah, guide us back to proper decisions, proper care and full connection with Your Spirit. I am so glad You know what our lives are like, and will guide us to what You want our lives to be.

Trading Life for a Stale Box

noreply@blogger.com (Bruce S) — Wed, 14 Oct 2015 20:05:00 +0000

For Wednesday, October 14, 2015

1 Samuel 12 (click to read)

17 It's the dry season, isn't it? But I will pray, and the Lord will send thunder and rain. When this happens, you will realize that you committed a great sin against the Lord when you asked him for a king.” 18 So Samuel prayed, and on that same day the Lord sent thunder and rain. Then all the people became afraid of the Lord and of Samuel.

There are many ways to understand this "sin" that our Bible reading has been focused on for the last few days. Often, the sin idea described is a rejection by the people of being a unique gathering following the leading of God through occasional Spirit led leaders. The Israelites wanted to be like everyone else around them, so they rejected the current format and asked for a king. There are other proposals about this, but I have been reflecting on this spiritual history lesson and what it means to me.

One way it can apply to me is when I "say" to God 'just give me an easy set of rules to live by - I don't want to take the time and effort to always be listening and responding to the Spirit's leadership.' The effort to stay in current and clear relationship with Jesus becomes a burden and I just want to default to some set instructions that make me feel good and righteous.

It also happens when I feel uncomfortable about the unique relationship Jesus wants with me - not rules based, but a relationship that is just mine, though coordinated with all other believers and Jesus followers.

It can also happen when the thinking and principles of my culture challenge me and cause me doubts and struggles. Instead of focusing on my live connection with God, I want to put the tension away and just be "normal."

What a loss of life and vitality I set myself up for when I feel this way and act on it. Instead of being vitally connected to Jesus, actively led by His Spirit, I default to some subset of Christian culture. I have nothing unique to offer others, or no way to be led dynamically into divine appointments and precise moments of service. These chapters challenge me to make sure my relationship with Jesus is alive, active, flowing, clear and joyful.

Lord Jesus - I often forget to keep my connection with You active and fluid. I "settle" for less, for a non-risking structure that takes me away from following You each moment. Remind me not to trade this amazing relationship with You for a boring, safe box of religious stuff.

The Process of Advancing in Truth

noreply@blogger.com (Bruce S) — Fri, 11 Sep 2015 01:16:00 +0000

For Thursday, September 10, 2015

1 Kings 5 (click to read)

13 King Solomon drafted 30,000 men as forced labor from all over Israel

OK, I know this is not an inspiring verse, but it hit me. And there are verses all through the Bible were we have to decide what we will make of them. I have to factor in the culture as I know it, and certainly forced labor for a king was standard procedure. But forced labor to build the Temple for God, who declares all people equal and free, and wants this to be the earthly standard as well as heavenly? I cannot go with it, no! But that shows me that God's Spirit has been leading His People more and more into Truth (capital T). And my role as a Jesus follower is to 1) live out the truth I know and 2) be open to discover more truth as we go. So an asterisk goes on this verse (sports metaphor) but it still teaches me something about God, something about me and something about the direction of God's kingdom.

BTW - Tuesday's prayer focus for our readings was an excellent suggestion and I gladly prayed for "children at the center of custody disputes." During our Divorce Recovery groups (and other situations), we could experience how painful and confusing such children have life. Do remember to look at the prayer suggestion and see if that strikes a heart chord for you.

Dearest Lord - continue to guide Your People into more Truth. Cause us to be open when Your Spirit has something "new" for us. Help us to love You and Your Truth more than our thoughts or our comfort.

Wisdom and Faith

noreply@blogger.com (Bruce S) — Wed, 02 Sep 2015 02:14:00 +0000

For Tuesday, September 1, 2015

James 1 (click to read)

6 But when you pray, you must believe and not doubt at all. Whoever doubts is like a wave in the sea that is driven and blown about by the wind.7-8 If you are like that, unable to make up your mind and undecided in all you do, you must not think that you will receive anything from the Lord.

The first Bible study group I was part of by personal choice was during my 3rd year at college. We would meet in the library after closing - about 12 of us. We started on James, so when I saw this as our reading, I was pretty sure what I was going to write about. My life contained several "incidents" that need applications from this chapter, including the two verses about words and language. But, the Spirit convinced me the verses for me are what I listed above.

Life is always filled with struggles, decisions, evaluations, options, and next steps. There have been a lot of these for me and my family recently. Remembering verse 5 about wisdom (one of my FAVORITE verses in the Bible), I have been praying for guidance, for decision making wisdom, for the perspective that God is using all in my life to grow me and help me (vs. 2-4). I have experience stress lessen and confusion be muted by the conviction that God knows what is best and is doing it. While reflecting on this, vs. 6-8 just hammered my spirit. I must believe - not just hope or wonder - and act on the faith that God is, in fact, giving wisdom, direction and hope. It is this confidence, which still needs to grow, that gives me strength, stability, optimism and the ability to act. Being paralyzed by anxiety is one negative extreme, and being frantic to "get it over with" is the other. Both cause me to miss the growth, insight and grace God is giving to me. So....

Lord God of all Wisdom and Grace, I would present to You again my fears, anxieties, and confusion. I will exchange them for listening, patience, faith and "walking in the Spirit" in each of these life realities. You love me, want the best for me, and I will faithfully seek and wait for just these blessings and grace.

Missing God's Intent

noreply@blogger.com (Bruce S) — Thu, 27 Aug 2015 19:24:00 +0000

For Thursday, August 27, 2015

Judges 4 (click to read)

⁸Then Barak replied, “I will go if you go with me, but if you don't go with me, I won't go either.”

Today the Bible reading for our series and an eNewsletter from Arise were next to each other in my inbox and really on the same subject. But the Bible reading commentary either "just missed" the point, or did so intentionally. Because I believe God's creation prohibits limitations based on gender, I want to comment on both of these.

The Deborah story in Judges is one of the most important stories in the book. The story of a woman leader and hero in the time of total male dominance is very clear indication of how God wants us to think about each other, our gifts, skills and impacts. Note how in the selected verse above, the general of the army both recognizes and depends on Deborah's leadership. Yet, the commentary around the Bible reading makes zero mention of this amazing story addressing gender. Not even an inclining of the Bible's teaching here.

The Arise newsletter article (link to this excellent piece on women, leadership, and other connections here) comments on women leadership and impact in both the church, in secular life and in the findings of studies. It is great read, very informative. Reading them right after each other just highlighted how the gifts, skills and passion of half of God's creation are underused and, often, actively suppressed. The clear benefits of both genders in leadership are vital. And this is a spiritual and discipleship issue, not just a justice issue and not just a political issue. We are resisting God's direction (at a minimum) if we fail to act on God's full intention for creation and the Church of Jesus.

Read them both and see if you do not agree.

God of Creation, I am very grateful for Your full "image of God" in every person. Help me to be the partner You want me to be with every person, leader and follower of Jesus.

Spiritual Markers Needed

noreply@blogger.com (Bruce S) — Wed, 26 Aug 2015 20:25:00 +0000

For Wednesday, August 26, 2015

Joshua 4 (click to read)

²⁰There Joshua set up the twelve stones taken from the Jordan.²¹And he said to the people of Israel, “In the future, when your children ask you what these stones mean,²²you will tell them about the time when Israel crossed the Jordan on dry ground

I have thought about these "spiritual markers" and am clear they are a good idea. But I need to execute this better in my life. Because of some life events recently, I now see that people regularly establish markers in their lives. But the spiritual ones may escape our notice. Here's what I mean: we "mark" major family events with pictures (wedding, births, trips, gatherings, etc.) and sometimes with other markers (lines on the door jam, items on the shelves or counters, furniture from a previous home or relationship, etc.) I have these as well: family pics from Thanksgivings, wedding albums, pottery from Yosemite, even travel stickers on the RV. But what markers do I have that celebrates God's great work in my life, or my family's life, or even my faith group? What marker do I have that God brought me through cancer, that God guided my recovery from divorce, that God seems to have protected me in a terrible motorcycle accident, that God called me to ministry and purpose? As I said, I need to do a better job of this so that, just as the Israel children would ask about the rock pile, I might someday be asked "why is this item here?" and give praise and thanks to God in the presence of the questioner and any one else. Spiritual markers, yep, need some of those.

Lord God, You have been very gracious and good to me. I want to praise You and thank You for your rescues, resources, and love. And I want to be useful for the spreading of Your fame and praise. Help me be clear to myself and others of all You have done for me, to me and through me.

Peaceful Action Gets Results Multiple Ways

noreply@blogger.com (Bruce S) — Wed, 08 Jul 2015 23:53:00 +0000

Genesis 13

14 After Lot had left, the Lord said to Abram, “From where you are, look carefully in all directions.15 I am going to give you and your descendants all the land that you see, and it will be yours forever.

This story of Abram taking the initiative to settle things peacefully (with his younger relative) is an inspiration to me. He trusted God enough (the first of the promises - "covenants"- was already stated) to be the first to solve this problem. Since he was senior in the relationship, he most likely had the right to give instructions and solutions without consulting Lot. But he did not do that. He let Lot choose his direction. This also indicates his trust in God guidance and leading for him and his family.

God blessing him at this point seems to be a result of his unselfish and peaceful resolution to the problem. As I face issues in my life, this passage points me to efforts of peaceful, "righteous" solutions. It points me to trusting that God will use every circumstance to grow, guide and gift me with what is needed. I may have "rights" and privileges, but these can be set aside as needed for peaceful living and trusting action. I want today to be as filled with my faith in God's work as it appears Abram's day was. God - help me trust so Your Peace is the measure of my life.

Reminded to have FAITH

noreply@blogger.com (Bruce S) — Tue, 30 Jun 2015 15:38:00 +0000

Lamentations 3:

²⁶So it is best for us to wait in patience—to wait for him to save us—

²⁷And it is best to learn this patience in our youth.

It is good for me to run into this passage today. The FAITH concept that I have talked about remains vital to me moving forward each day in trust and calm. (well, kinda calm - it is difficult to let it all go, as we all know) I am sure many of us have issues each day that must be turned over (again) to the one who is Faithful, is full of Lovingkindness, is Merciful, and is ready to receive us anew each day. So I will work at growing my trust in him today by remembering this passage as the day goes on. I will remind myself through prayer that he has my best in his mind for me in each situation of my life. I will ask him to guide, to comfort and to teach me what it means to know life is in his hands, not mine.

F - focus on the positive of God in my life rather than the events that call depression from me

A - audit and reflect on how God has treated me in my history with Him

I - initiate each day with trust and faith for the day

T - trust God for the issues of the day

H - hope with patience for God's action

That Stretch to be as Welcoming as God is

noreply@blogger.com (Bruce S) — Mon, 22 Jun 2015 22:47:00 +0000

Isaiah 56:⁶And the Lord says to those foreigners who become part of his people, who love him and serve him, who observe the Sabbath and faithfully keep his covenant:⁷ “I will bring you to Zion, my sacred hill, give you joy in my house of prayer, and accept the sacrifices you offer on my altar. My Temple will be called a house of prayer for the people of all nations.”

In the latter parts of Isaiah ("Second Isaiah" from about chapter 40 and on), an entirely new vision of the people of God is delivered. No longer are they from only Jewish descent, and no longer are people rejected for not being "normal." Instead, the people of God are all who determine to love God and follow His Will. This is a massive change in scope and attitude. We are still learning this, with our limited views of who God loves and who God welcomes. I regularly need to stretch my perspective on this. Also during this time, the prophets began condemning economic oppressive action and unjust legal action. Clearly, God is not on the side of those who manipulate circumstances to the disadvantage of others, but demands justice equally for all. No quibbling - make righteousness the norm. I want to keep growing and working at my attitude and spirit to be welcoming to any who seek God, to be a cheerleader for any who follow God and to be clear that His Will and His Righteousness is the goal of my life.

Praying Over the Drought

noreply@blogger.com (Bruce S) — Tue, 09 Jun 2015 02:15:00 +0000

Haggai 1: 9-11

"Because my Temple lies in ruins while every one of you is busy working on your own house.That is why there is no rain and nothing can grow.I have brought drought on the land—on its hills, grainfields, vineyards, and olive orchards—on every crop the ground produces, on people and animals, on everything you try to grow.”

In this long and disastrous California drought, these words hit home. I confess to not praying about the drought as much as I perhaps should. And in my prayer over the drought, I would need to not only ask God to provide sustaining rain, but also give me wisdom for conservation and effective living with water, and for wisdom and leadership from local and state people regarding our use of this most precious resource. Then the prayers would have to go to arenas that many would consider political - though, for the life of me, I see NOWHERE in the Bible that my prayers should avoid political issues and leadership decisions. So next, on the prayer list would be water use in fracking, and then water use in industry. Then there is climate change action and response, and finally -- well, probably not finally, but to end the list - the growing legal rulings allowing corporations to own the water, rather than the people who live and need the water, and the whole "bottled water" fiasco and rulings and such. BUT, though the list could go on, the Spirit is telling me it is time to pray, not gripe. So seeking the Spirit's wisdom and sensitivity, and ask God for this precious resource for my area (that's another prayer issue, isn't it?) I close this paragraph and go pray.

The Desert Invitation

noreply@blogger.com (Bruce S) — Wed, 03 Jun 2015 01:21:00 +0000

Hosea 2:
¹⁴So I am going to take her into the desert again; there I will win her back with words of love.

If one is really alert while reading the Bible, you may notice that the desert shows up regularly. It is where Israel was rescued by God. It is where David escaped from Saul. It is where Jesus was tempted before His ministry. It is, in fact, when people meet God, particularly when days are rough. There are times I need to go to the desert so I can meet again with God, so I can be instructed, loved, and be made whole. In our current language, we might call this a retreat. But retreats are often quite comfortable, with good resources. The desert is stark, mostly empty, and barren. Much like our spiritual life when we need to make that desert trip. All we find there is God and our own emptiness and needs. And that's all we need to find, because other stuff can get in the way. It can keep us from that honest and simple (but hard) encounter with God. If we go to the desert, we find God and get what we need. I do believe it is desert time.

The Good Shepherd of Both Testaments

noreply@blogger.com (Bruce S) — Thu, 21 May 2015 01:10:00 +0000

Ezekiel 34:

"11 I,the Sovereign Lord, tell you that I myself will look for my sheep and take care of them"

Wow - I don't think I have ever had Jesus leap from an Old Testament page with such clarity before. This time reading this great chapter (likely because of the translation I was using) Jesus the Good Shepherd, Jesus the Savior and Jesus the Judge just slammed my heart and spirit.

Jesus the Good Shepherd
Ezekiel 34:11 I,the Sovereign Lord, tell you that I myself will look for my sheep and take care of them"
John 10:14 I am the good shepherd. I know my sheep, and they know me.

Jesus the Savior
Ezekiel 34:16 "I will look for those that are lost, bring back those that wonder off, bandage those...heal those..."
Luke 15: 5 And when you find it, you will be so glad that you will put it on your shoulder 6 and carry it home. Then you will call in your friends and neighbors and say, “Let’s celebrate! I’ve found my lost sheep.”7 Jesus said, “In the same way there is more happiness in heaven because of one sinner who turns to God than over ninety-nine good people who don’t need to.”

Jesus the Judge
Ezekiel 34:17 "Now then, my flock, I, the Sovereign Lord, tell you that I will judge each of you and separate the good from the bad, the sheep from the goats."
Matthew 25: 31 When the Son of Man comes in his glory with all of his angels, he will sit on his royal throne. 32 The people of all nations will be brought before him, and he will separate them, as shepherds separate their sheep from their goats.

The same Sovereign Lord who created me also seeks me when I am lost, judges my response and action to his instruction, heals, bandages and saves me when hurt and in danger. He is my Shepherd unsurpassed.

Welcome Words for my Life

noreply@blogger.com (Bruce S) — Wed, 13 May 2015 00:39:00 +0000

2 Corinthians 4:
¹⁶For this reason we never become discouraged. Even though our physical being is gradually decaying, yet our spiritual being is renewed day after day.

I have certainly read this verse before, but under my current life conditions - that is my age - it is of even greater comfort. It is great news that God continues to work and grow my spiritual life even while my physical life might be hurting or slowing down. There are certainly experiences of this life yet to have, but the hope and joy of the next life will be is almost beyond belief. And God Himself is preparing me for this experience with Him and with all who are His. What great news that is.

Then in chapter 5 we read this: ⁹More than anything else, however, we want to please him, whether in our home here or there." This is such a wonderful reminder that my life is to be oriented toward God's will for me no matter what I'm going through. I may hope for some release or some healing in the future, I may even hope for tomorrow to feel better than today. But ultimately each day and the trials of each hour are only there to help me become more fitted for the home He has prepared for me. I thank God for salvation and for eternity prepared for all who love Him.

What I Sometimes Forget

noreply@blogger.com (Bruce S) — Thu, 07 May 2015 01:48:00 +0000

Romans 8:

¹⁴Those who are led by God's Spirit are God's children.¹⁵ For the Spirit that God has given you does not make you slaves and cause you to be afraid; instead, the Spirit makes you God's children, and by the Spirit's power we cry out to God, “Father! my Father!”

My guess is many of us -- like me -- struggle with vs. 14. We struggle because we know we are not always led by God's Spirit. We know there are times we don't think that we are God's, we do not have our mind and heart tuned to the Spirit. There are many moments when we do have our attention on God and are responsive to His Spirit. But those times are not 100% and we are troubled by this. Mostly, I think, we are troubled because we also forget what vs. 15 tells us. We are given the Spirit of God so we can know we are His children, that we are loved, that we are accepted and forgiven --- in short, that we are to have no fear of God.

I am so glad for this message. And I love how it dovetails with what 1 John tells us - "if our hearts condemn us, God is greater". God "remembers" Jesus has already saved us. God is "active in us" by His Spirit to continue the transformation necessary for us to be completely His. So, rejoice with me, and receive both His love and His guidance.

noreply@blogger.com (Bruce S) — Mon, 27 Apr 2015 23:56:00 +0000

Romans 5:11 But that is not all; we rejoice because of what God has done through our Lord Jesus Christ, who has now made us God's friends.

This is such a great chapter for grace, love and hope. The first section on how struggles end up producing hope is a valuable process in our lives. There are often struggles. But the successful navigation of such times because of our connection with Christ gives us confidence and hope for coming struggles.

Verse 1 on having peace with God is a concept I continue to live into. There are times when I forget that is the definition of my relationship with God. Oh, I count on it always, being confident that God does, indeed, love and accept me. But this intimate and confident connection with God breaks down when I either make a decision not in His will, or even more so, when I just take it for granted and do not nurture it.

So that brings me to the verse I picked for me today. I was reflecting on what friends do for us, since "I am a friend of God." (song) Friends give companionship, help with identity, bring joy and also bring accountability. I think this last one is good for me right now. The growth steps I want to take will benefit from a peaceful, accepting, accountability relationship. And have this intentional connection with God right now will be valuable. This is my "new" focus for relationship with God. I count on His Love, and depend on His Mercy, I am grateful for His Peace, but His Friendship shall be my vital factor for some days to come.

How I Resist God's Work in Me

noreply@blogger.com (Bruce S) — Tue, 14 Apr 2015 01:19:00 +0000

^{Three really powerful verses for me in today's reading:}

¹Rid yourselves, then, of all evil; no more lying or hypocrisy or jealousy or insulting language.

^{To rid myself of evil includes ridding myself of hypocrisy (acting and presenting myself as someone different than who I am) and jealousy (totally wishing I could be in someone else's place). I'm sure I am not alone in dealing with the temptation and attitude killing flaw of jealousy. I look around at see others who have or are what I am not. Thus, I focus on the "not me" and get irritated, rather than focusing on me, who God has made me, and how God is transforming me right now. And instead of actually submitting myself for transformation, and being different, being recreated, -- instead of that, I am tempted (and do) pretend and present myself as someone I am not. I might even pretend to be what God wants me to become, but pretending is not becoming. I must rid myself of all this.}

⁵Come as living stones, and let yourselves be used in building the spiritual temple, where you will serve as holy priests to offer spiritual and acceptable sacrifices to God through Jesus Christ

^{I see very clearly that I will not be available to God for this work of making me part of a great team, a great people, a great mission force - if I am jealous and hypocritical. It will be impossible for me to "fit" and to be "placed" if I am only looking at others and then pretending I am what I am not. Indeed, to do that causes me to resist being placed with others and actually not fitting where I have been designed to be.}

¹⁵For God wants you to silence the ignorant talk of foolish people by the good things you do.¹⁶Live as free people; do not, however, use your freedom to cover up any evil, but live as God's slaves.

We have talked often of how "the world" sees Christians as hypocrites (well, look at that, just what Peter calls us), self-centered, touchy and harsh. We are called to live beyond that with joy and power, letting insult and inaccuracy be corrected by living out the life and calling of Christ in serving others. How do we change the impact of the church? By using our freedom, energy and power to serve, to love, to make a difference for all the "not me" people that we can.