Difference

Readings for today: 1 Kings 13-14, 2 Chronicles 11-12

Several years ago, I had a conversation with an atheist friend of mine. He and I were discussing what difference - if any - being a Christian actually makes on a person’s life. He cited example after example of Christians he knew who lived just like he lived. No discernible difference in the way they did business, the way they treated others, the way they engaged in community. He cited example after example of churches and ministries across the country that seemed to be more focused on making money and expanding their brand than they were on serving the poor and reaching the lost. Again, no discernible difference between them and secular business models. It was a sobering conversation to say the least.

At the same time, I could point to example after example of Christians I knew who lived generously and sacrificially. Whose lives were very different from their secular friends and neighbors. They conducted their businesses with honesty and integrity, motivated by a deeper purpose and higher calling than just making money. They treated others with the dignity and respect due to those made in the image of God. They engaged in community in ways that brought redemptive lift and blessing. I pointed to example after example of churches and ministries I know about that are making a HUGE impact in towns and villages and cities and nations all across the globe. I pointed to the billions of dollars given every year to feed the hungry and clothe the naked and provide all kinds of access to free healthcare and clean water and all kinds of other initiatives around the globe. I asked him where all the atheist non-profits were? I asked him why atheists weren’t on the front lines of global poverty and natural disasters and running food banks? It presented a sobering challenge for him to consider.

Eventually, we drilled down to a personal level. He’s a good man. He’s a lawyer in his town. He does seek to serve and make the lives of his clients better. He’s struggled personally. He’s divorced and only has partial custody of his son. He’s lonely a lot of the time with only his dog to keep him company. He spends a lot of time on social media but doesn’t seem to have very many deep friendships. He used to be a Christian and every now and then does talk about missing the connection to community. We discussed what he’s missing most of all which is the presence of God in his life. God is letting my friend experience what it’s like to try to do life without Him and it reminds me of what our reading says today about Israel, “However, they will become his servants so that they may recognize the difference between serving Me and serving the kingdoms of other lands.” (2 Chronicles‬ ‭12‬:‭8‬ ‭CSB‬‬) God allowed Israel to become a vassal state to the king of Egypt so they could experience the difference between living under God’s Kingdom and living under the kingdoms of this world and He does the same for us. Under which kingdom are you living today? Which king are you seeking to serve? How you answer these questions will make a huge difference in the way you live in the world today.

Readings for tomorrow: No devotionals on Sundays

Division

Readings for today: 1 Kings 12, 2 Chronicles 10

Division breaks the heart of God. Division weakens the people of God. It’s why Jesus prays for the unity of His people in John 17. It’s why the Psalmist talks about how the blessing of God is reserved for “brothers and sisters who dwell in unity.” Israel was at her best when she was united. When all the tribes came together as one. As soon as they divided, they became fodder for their enemies. Their strength was diminished. Their influence waned. Their wealth began to fade. They focused more on attacking each other rather than defending themselves against outside enemies. They lost sight of their purpose which was to be a light to the nations.

I’ve traveled around the world and seen the impact of division firsthand in nation after nation. Protests. Riots. Violence met with more violence. Recently, I was in the Horn of Africa in a part of a country where they are recovering from a recent civil war. While we were there, rebel forces engaged the government forces in a skirmish, reminding us once again how fragile peace and unity can be. Of course, we all see what’s happening here in the United States. The conflict over immigration is leading to confrontation in the streets. Though mostly peaceful, thankfully, there are pockets of violence that disrupt businesses and communities and people in significant ways. Lines are drawn. Sides are chosen. There seems to be little room for compromise and it’s hard to see a way through to any kind of resolution.

I have seen the impact of division in churches. I have been a pastor for almost thirty years now. I have watched denominations split as they fight over theology and property and money. I have watched churches split as they fight over worship preferences, program changes, and leadership failures. I have watched Christians divide over the finer points of theology. In our failure to keep the “main thing, the main thing” we become weak and ineffective. We lose our focus on the Great Commission. We lose sight of the Great Commandment. And the result is gates of hell are able to take their stand against the church. I honestly hate it.

In our reading today, King Rehoboam and his friends fail to read the room. They put their own wants and needs and desires over what’s best for the people of God. Rather than seek to serve, they wanted to be served and they lost the kingdom as a result. Jeroboam made a similar mistake. He acted out of fear rather than faith. Rather than trust the Lord who had called him and raised him up, he set up his own Temple system, complete with its own idols, and it would cost his family the kingdom. Pride. Fear. Anger. Envy. Jealousy. These sins will kill any community. They will break apart any fellowship. They act as accelerants with immense centrifugal force that pulls us apart.

We are not immune from these forces. We too can easily fall prey to sin and separate from our brothers and sisters over the smallest of slights. So how can we stay unified? We must keep our focus on Christ. We must obey His call to fulfill the Great Commission. We must walk in the way of the Great Commandment. As we do these things, He will be faithful to fulfill His promise and make His Great Declaration that the gates of hell will not stand against His church.

Readings for tomorrow: 1 Kings 13-14, 2 Chronicles 11-12

Finishing Strong

Readings for today: 1 Kings 10-11, 2 Chronicles 9, Proverbs 30-31

We are running an event at my church called “Finishing Strong.” It’s designed to equip believers who are 55+ to finish well in life and in faith. To use the latter years of their life to invest in the Kingdom of God. So many in my country spend their whole lives trying to retire early. There’s nothing wrong with this goal except that so many struggle to find purpose in their retirement. There’s only so much golf one can play. There’s only so many trips one can take. Eventually boredom sets in. Retirement, in this sense, is not biblical. Yes, the elders in Scripture handed over their businesses to their children at a certain point and took their seat at the city gate but it wasn’t to spend their days gossiping and drinking wine. They played a vital role in the ongoing health and welfare of their community. They were a source of great wisdom to the generations that followed them. They offered advice on any manner of things. They continued to invest in those who came after them. In fact, the worst thing you could do to a community in those days was rob them of their elders.

“When Solomon was old, his wives turned his heart away to follow other gods. He was not wholeheartedly devoted to the Lord his God, as his father David had been.” (1 Kings‬ ‭11‬:‭4‬ ‭CSB‬‬) Solomon failed to finish strong. He refused to listen to godly counsel and his kingdom began to fall apart in the latter part of his reign. Enemies began to circle him. Enemies from without and enemies from within. Rather than repent and return to the Lord, Solomon doubled down. The seeds were sown for a civil war that would result in great loss of life and the division of the kingdom. It’s a heartbreaking legacy and a sober reminder to us all. We never get too old to follow God. We never age out of discipleship. Our latter years are just as important as our younger years and the Lord pays attention to how we spend them.

It’s never too early to begin considering how you will spend the final decades of your life. Perhaps you are on a trajectory to retire early. My brother just retired from teaching at age 50. If he remains in good health, he will probably have another 30-40 years left of life. He and I recently talked about how he would spend those years. Where can he find meaning and purpose? Where can he invest himself? As a pastor, I’ve had hundreds of these conversations over the years. It’s striking to me how many people retire without a plan. Not necessarily a financial plan. Most have those if they are choosing to opt out of the workforce. No, I’m talking about a plan for where they will invest their time and energy and talent. A plan to find meaning and purpose and pour into the next generation. As Solomon’s example demonstrates, it’s easy to become distracted. It’s easy to find your heart turning towards other gods. It’s easy to waste the final years of your life. What plan are you making right now to finish strong?

Readings for tomorrow: 1 Kings 12, 2 Chronicles 10

Never Forget

Readings for today: Ecclesiastes 7-12

Remember your Creator. This is the advice of the Teacher in the final chapter of Ecclesiastes. He recognizes - probably from his own life - our very human tendency to forget God in the midst of life. We forget Him when we are young. We forget Him when the sun is shining and times are good. We forget Him when we are strong and able. We forget Him when we are full of life and energy and without a care in the world. We forget Him when all kinds of opportunities are coming our way. We forget Him when we are at the height of our success and influence and wealth and power. And lest we think we are immune to this temptation, we need to remind ourselves Solomon was all these things and more.

The key is to fear God and obey His commands. But that’s easier said than done as well. Fearing God doesn’t come naturally to us. It must be trained if it is to be ingrained. It comes as a result of time spent every day with our Creator. It requires a weekly gathering with God’s people to reorient the self-centered desires of our hearts. It comes through intentionality as we allow others into our lives and share transparently with them so they can hold us accountable. These are the formational practices Christians have employed for centuries in some form or another in order to “remember their Creator.”

Furthermore, obeying God’s commands takes daily practice. We must meditate on His Word day and night so we know what He expects from us. We must memorize His commands so we can take them to heart. We must hide His Word in our hearts if we are to resist sin and take our stand against the evil one. After all, we cannot obey God’s commands if we do not know them. And we cannot know God’s commands unless we commit ourselves to studying them. So many people claim to know Christ but they have no idea how to follow Him. They claim to love Christ but seemingly have no interest in obeying Him. It must break God’s heart to see His children pursue a way of life apart from Him. Imagine the impact we could have on the world if we would remember God when we are strong and young and energetic and excited? Imagine what would happen if we would give God the firstfruits of our lives rather than the leftovers after we have primarily served ourselves? Imagine how different our lives would be if we gave God the best years of our life? We don’t have to imagine. We simply have to start right where we find ourselves today.

Readings for tomorrow: 1 Kings 10-11, 2 Chronicles 9, Proverbs 30-31

Cynicism

Readings for today: Ecclesiastes 1-6

I’ve been struggling with cynicism lately. This is a besetting sin of mine. It tends to creep up when my reserves are low which they normally are this time of year as I head into vacation. My rhythms have been fairly consistent and set for a long time. I take a Sabbath every week, usually on Mondays. I spend time with the Lord. I go to the gym. I date my wife. When my kids were younger, I spent time with them. I am afforded four weeks of vacation every year. I take most of that time in early July every summer, usually 2.5 weeks. I also take the week after Christmas off. I get to go to Africa for two weeks every fall and spring. This is a vital time for me to study, reflect, and pray on all God is doing in my life, the church I serve, and my community. Outside of those periods of rest and renewal, I run hard. I pastor a large church. I teach a classes at a local seminary. I chair the board of an incredible mission organization. I serve on denominational committees. I am blessed to lead a rich and full and blessed life. However, I am human which means my reserves do get depleted throughout the year and as I head into my vacation, I find myself running on fumes yet again. This is when I become more vulnerable to sins like cynicism.

Perhaps that’s why I resonated so strongly with Solomon’s words this morning. He too was a man who ran hard. He had a high capacity. He was blessed to lead during a period of growth and prosperity in Israel. But I wonder if the cynicism he expresses in Ecclesiastes comes from a depleted soul? Is he just being brutally realistic or are his reflections a sign of a depleted soul? Listen to them again. “Absolute futility,” says the Teacher. “Absolute futility. Everything is futile.” What does a person gain for all his efforts that he labors at under the sun? A generation goes and a generation comes, but the earth remains forever. The sun rises and the sun sets; panting, it hurries back to the place where it rises. Gusting to the south, turning to the north, turning, turning, goes the wind, and the wind returns in its cycles. All the streams flow to the sea, yet the sea is never full; to the place where the streams flow, there they flow again. All things are wearisome, more than anyone can say. The eye is not satisfied by seeing  or the ear filled with hearing. What has been is what will be, and what has been done is what will be done; there is nothing new under the sun.” (Ecclesiastes‬ ‭1‬:‭2‬-‭9‬ ‭CSB‬‬) Futility. Meaninglessness. Vanity. Weariness. Nothing new under the sun. It’s a bleak outlook to say the least. Don’t get me wrong, I don’t actually disagree with Solomon. I think he’s right. Everything we do and accomplish this side of heaven has an expiration date. And that should give us pause. But I don’t think I would go as far as to say it is all futility. That’s Solomon’s cynical side coming out.

It’s tempting to look at all that’s happening in the world around us today and throw in the towel. After all, what kind of influence can I have on the conflicts raging in Gaza, Ukraine, and other places around the world? What kind of difference can I make on global poverty or systemic injustice? How can I help alleviate the pain and suffering I see all around me? It’s easy to become cynical when scrolling through social media or watching the news. But we must resist this temptation. We must fix our eyes on Jesus who, when you stop to think about it, was the only person who had the right to be cynical. I think it is part of his particular genius that you never see cynicism creep up in his life. You never see it impact his relationships with those He loved and served. You never see it break loose, even when He hangs on the cross. Jesus rejected th way of cynicism. Jesus never fell into the trap of believing everything was futility. He kept the faith and the result was our salvation. May we, who would seek to follow Him, do the same.

Readings for tomorrow: Ecclesiastes 7-12

Satisfaction

Readings for today: Proverbs 27-29

Satisfaction is the key to freedom. Contentment is the key to peace. Those who spend their days always looking for more will never have enough. This is true on many levels. Wealth. Possessions. Success. Accolades. Position. Power. As soon as we reach a particular level, we start looking at the level above us. Several years ago, I ran across some research that sought to define what it meant to be rich. The research was based on polling data in the United States. By and large, when people were asked what it meant to be rich, they typically would define it as somewhere in the neighborhood of making twice as much money as they did at the time. If they could just double their salary, then they would be rich. This measure seemed to hold true all the way up to those making around five million a year. Once you got to that threshold, then you would agree that you were already rich. The main takeaway from the article wasn’t the identification of a number at which point people could be declared “rich” as much as pointing out that most people tend to compare themselves to those who have more not less. They tend to look at what they don’t have rather than what they do have. They tend to focus on their lack rather than their abundance and it leads to dissatisfaction. I think this applies in many areas of life not just our finances.

In the book of Proverbs, Solomon writes, “Sheol and Abaddon are never satisfied, and people’s eyes are never satisfied.” (Proverbs‬ ‭27‬:‭20‬ ‭CSB) Clearly, dissatisfaction is an issue that transcends culture. It’s not just something we struggle with here in 21st century America though the consumerism that is rampant in our culture surely doesn’t help. It’s something human beings have struggled with since the beginning. And just like death itself is never satisfied, so our eyes are always wandering. Always looking for more. Always wanting more. Always desiring more. I’ve been all around the world and I’ve seen this dynamic play out. It cuts across all economic and social classes. And it creates all kinds of problems in our world. The disparities between rich and poor. The powerful and the powerless. The “in” crowd and the “out” crowd. These inequalities lead to all kinds of conflict and even violence in some places. But even if one is able to overthrow a social order, it only gets replaced with one reinforcing the same dynamics. There’s not a single human system - political, social, or economic - that has ever solved this riddle.

So what’s the answer? Christ. Only Jesus can truly satisfy. Only Jesus can truly set us free from our sinful wants and desires. As we fix our eyes on Christ, we find ourselves desiring more of Him. And as we desire more of Him, the things of this world fade into the background. Their hold on us begins to diminish. As the old hymn says, “Turn your eyes upon Jesus and the things of this earth grow strangely dim in the light of His glory and grace.”

Readings for tomorrow: Ecclesiastes 1-6

Pursuit

Readings for today: 1 Kings 9, 2 Chronicles 8, Proverbs 25-26

There’s a great line in Psalm 23 that says, “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” I thought about that line this morning as I read how the Lord once again appeared to Solomon. The Hebrew that is translated “follow me” in the Psalm actually conveys a much stronger meaning. It literally means “pursue me” or “chase me.” It’s not just a passive following but an active pursuit that refuses to let go. Think about it. The goodness and mercy of God chasing me all the days of my life until I find myself dwelling in the house of the Lord in eternity. That about sums up Solomon’s life. It also can sum up our lives as well.

Listen again to what God says to Solomon. For at least the third or fourth time if you’ve been counting. “The Lord said to him: I have heard your prayer and petition you have made before me. I have consecrated this temple you have built, to put my name there forever; my eyes and my heart will be there at all times. As for you, if you walk before me as your father David walked, with a heart of integrity and in what is right, doing everything I have commanded you, and if you keep my statutes and ordinances, I will establish your royal throne over Israel forever, as I promised your father David: You will never fail to have a man on the throne of Israel.” (1 Kings‬ ‭9‬:‭3‬-‭5‬ ‭CSB‬‬) It’s truly astounding when you stop to think about it. The Lord of the universe humbling Himself to consecrate the Temple Solomon built. Putting His name there. Always keeping His eyes on it. Placing His heart there. Kind of reminds me of Jesus’ words about where our treasure is, there our hearts will be also. The people of God are God’s treasured possession. They are His chosen people. They are His royal priesthood. As such, God puts His heart where His treasure is which is why He comes to dwell with His people. It’s why He calls Solomon to be faithful. He doesn’t want what is happening here at the beginning, at the Temple, to ever end.

There’s a famous story in my church about a previous beloved pastor who had a huge heart for lost people. He and a friend were eating lunch one day at a local restaurant and started talking to their server about faith. It was clear the server didn’t believe. Didn’t come from a Christian background. And this broke the heart of the pastor. As he paid his bill at the cashier, he asked to see the server. When the server came out, he grabbed his hand, looked him in the eye, and said, “God is going to pursue you with His relentless love until the day you die.” Honestly, it kind of freaked the server out but the truth of his words remains. God pursues us with His faithful love until the day we die. He pursued Solomon. He pursued Israel. He pursues me. He’s pursuing you. Turn to Him. Walk in His ways. Live with a heart of integrity and do what is right and godly and you will find goodness and mercy and blessing following you all the days of your life.

Readings for tomorrow: No devotionals on Sundays

Hallelujah

Readings for today: Psalms 146-150

Hallelujah. Literally, “God be praised.” A transliteration of the original Hebrew. “Hallel” meaning a joyful song of praise to the Lord and “Yah” a shortened form of Yahweh. It is a word that cannot be translated. It transcends every language group across the earth. No matter where you go - and I’ve been a lot of different places - all Christians everywhere know this word. Hallelujah appears thirty times in the Bible and almost all of the instances are in the Psalms. In our reading today, each of the Psalms begins and ends with the word, “Hallelujah” as the Psalmist directs God’s people to praise the Lord.

Hallelujah is not just a song we sing. It is a state of the heart. Our hearts should continually be singing hallelujah to the Lord. Every day when we wake up, we should sing hallelujah for another day. Every night when we go to sleep we should sing hallelujah for the things the Lord did in and through us that particular day. Read through the Psalms again. Pay attention to all the things the Psalmist praises God for. His nature and character. His actions throughout human history. His particular care of the poor and powerless. One gets the sense that the list is endless. One could easily spend an entire lifetime or more finding things to sing hallelujah for to the Lord.

When was the last time you sat down and spent some time reflecting on the nature and character of God? Revealed in creation. Revealed in redemption. Promised in the future consummation of all things. When was the last time you spent time pondering the amazing grace of God and his boundless mercy? Think of how much He cares for the widow and orphan, the poor and powerless, and all those who are downtrodden in our world. Think of how much He cares for humanity despite the magnitude of her sin. Think of how much He cares for the world in which we live and move and have our being. When was the last time you wrote down all the things God has done for you over the course of your life? The ways God has been at work? The miracles you have seen? I would encourage you to not only write these things down but also sing hallelujah over them. Praise God for them.

Praise has a way of shifting our heart and perspective. It drives out the darkness and depression and despair. It also is contagious. It lifts up those around us. It draws them into a posture of praise and thanksgiving. It’s why singing hallelujah with God’s people during worship is such a moving experience. It stirs the soul. And God wants us to have this experience. God wants us to know the joy that comes from having a heart full of praise. This is why He meets us in a powerful way when we worship Him in spirit and in truth.

Readings for tomorrow: 1 Kings 9, 2 Chronicles 8, Proverbs 25-26

Hesed

Readings for today: 2 Chronicles 4-7, Psalms 134, 136

Hesed. God’s eternal, faithful love. This is the love that delivered Israel from all her enemies. This is the love that established Israel in the land. This is the love that put David and his son, Solomon, on the throne. The Temple was built to be the embodiment of love. It was built to remind Israel of God’s love. It was built as a celebration of God’s love. It’s why, once the Temple was complete and the glory of the Lord filled the Holy of Holies, the people cried out, “For He is good; His faithful love (His hesed) endures forever.” It’s why the Psalmist composes Psalm 136 as a song of praise for God’s faithful love. I know sometimes we don’t like to sing songs with the choruses over and over again but this didn’t seem to bother the Psalmist! Not when the subject was God’s hesed! God’s faithful love.

The Hebrew word, hesed, conveys a deep sense of connection. A faithfulness that will never end. It is eternal. It is forever. Nothing can break it. Nothing can defeat it. Not even Israel’s sin. Yes, God promises that if the people of Israel turn away from Him that He will judge them with righteousness and send them into exile but when they repent, His faithful love will always bring them back home. Restore them to their former place. Return them to the Land and renew the covenantal relationship He has always had with them. The faithful love of God is why we can always hold onto hope. No matter how dark things get. No matter how hard things get. No matter what life may throw at us. God’s love never ends. God’s love always holds. God’s love never fails. As the Apostle Paul says in 1 Corinthians 13:7, “God’s love bears all things. Believes all things. Hopes all things. Endures all things. It never fails.”

So where do you find yourself today? What challenges did you wake up to this morning? What obstacles in your life are you working to overcome? What is the state of your heart? Are you following Christ or do you find yourself far from Him? Are you on the narrow road to salvation or have you taken a step off onto the wide path that leads to judgment? No matter where you find yourself, know that God loves you and is waiting for you to repent and turn back to Him. He is waiting to welcome you not with condemnation but with His eternal, faithful love.

Readings for tomorrow: Psalms 146-150

Relationship

Readings for today: 1 Kings 7-8, Psalms 11

What does it mean to be in relationship with God? I’ve been helping some people in my life wrestle with this idea lately. We’ve been having lots of conversations about God and what and why to believe. Over and over again, they keep coming back to religion. They talk about God as an abstract, philosophical idea. They talk about codes of ethics. They talk about laws and rules and expectations. And they struggle because they cannot imagine aligning their life along these lines. It feels arbitrary. Coercive. Sometimes even abusive. One of them was at least honest with me and said, “You know I’m pretty much anti-authority, right?”

My response in these conversations is to try to reframe their thinking around relationship. If our connection to God is mediated through religion then I can understand their objections. Why would anyone want to submit their life to a set of rules that limits their freedoms? That doesn’t have much appeal to me either. But what if our connection to God was mediated through a relationship? What if God was good and loving and could be trusted to know what’s best for us? Wouldn’t that change things?

This is the heart behind Solomon’s great prayer of dedication. Yes, there were a lot of rules and rituals associated with Temple worship but at it’s foundation is a covenantal relationship with the Living God. You see this mapped out in the different examples Solomon cites from everyday life when he prays…

“When a man sins against his neighbor and is forced to take an oath, and he comes to take an oath before your altar in this temple, may you hear in heaven and act. May you judge your servants, condemning the wicked man by bringing what he has done on his own head and providing justice for the righteous by rewarding him according to his righteousness.” (1 Kings‬ ‭8‬:‭31‬-‭32‬ ‭CSB‬‬)

“When your people Israel are defeated before an enemy, because they have sinned against you, and they return to you and praise your name, and they pray and plead with you for mercy in this temple, may you hear in heaven and forgive the sin of your people Israel. May you restore them to the land you gave their ancestors.” (1 Kings‬ ‭8‬:‭33‬-‭34‬ ‭CSB‬‬‬‬)

“When the skies are shut and there is no rain, because they have sinned against you, and they pray toward this place and praise your name, and they turn from their sins because you are afflicting them, may you hear in heaven and forgive the sin of your servants and your people Israel, so that you may teach them to walk on the good way. May you send rain on your land that you gave your people for an inheritance.” (1 Kings‬ ‭8‬:‭35‬-‭36‬ ‭CSB‬‬)

“When there is famine in the land, when there is pestilence, when there is blight or mildew, locust or grasshopper, when their enemy besieges them in the land and its cities, when there is any plague or illness, every prayer or petition that any person or that all your people Israel may have — they each know their own affliction — as they spread out their hands toward this temple, may you hear in heaven, your dwelling place, and may you forgive, act, and give to everyone according to all their ways, since you know each heart, for you alone know every human heart, so that they may fear you all the days they live on the land you gave our ancestors.” (1 Kings‬ ‭8‬:‭37‬-‭40‬ ‭CSB‬‬‬‬)

Clearly, Solomon has more in view than just religion here. He believes with His whole heart that God Himself has come to dwell with His people. Come to meet with His people face to face. Come to show His great love to His people in person. It’s a powerful prayer and an even more powerful way to think about faith in God. Faith in God is not a commitment to certain ethical code. It is not a belief in an abstract set of theological principles. It is the most intimate relationship we can have in this life because we are relating to the same God who shaped and formed us in our mother’s wombs. The same God who loved us and called us by name from eternity. The same God who bled and died for us on the cross. The same God who rose again to open the way to heaven. The same God who’s coming again to claim His own, set all things right, and make all things new. This is the God we worship and adore and He invites us into His presence so we can know Him and love Him and worship Him.

Readings for tomorrow: 2 Chronicles 4-7, Psalms 134, 136

Temple

Readings for today: 1 Kings 5-6, 2 Chronicles 2-3

There is little direct archeological evidence for the existence of Solomon’s Temple. This is mainly due to the ban on excavations on the Temple Mount since it is a holy site for Islam. However, there is plenty of circumstantial evidence that exists. The Western Wall is the retaining wall built during that period by Solomon so he could flatten the top of the mount and build upon it. On the Eastern Wall of the Temple Mount, there are stones dating back to the First Temple period. An ancient gate house has been discovered in front of the Temple Mount that guarded something sacred on top. And perhaps most persuasive of all are the discoveries made during the Temple Mount Sifting Project which combed through some 9000 tons of dirt that was illegally removed from the Temple Mount by Islamic authorities using heavy equipment and without any concern for its archeological significance. The debris was dumped unceremoniously into the Kidron Valley, among other places, and included bits of pottery, coins, tools, and animal bones from the First Temple period.

Solomon’s Temple would have been a wonder of the ancient world. As such, the temptation would be to worship the structure itself rather than see it as a means to a much greater end. As beautiful as the Temple must have been, it could not contain the fullness of God’s glory. As much as it represented the house of the Lord, it was not God’s permanent residence. God was not trapped there. God did not live there. Perhaps this is why the Lord offers a warning to Solomon even in the midst of his greatest building project. “As for this temple you are building, if you walk in my statutes, observe my ordinances, and keep all my commands by walking in them, I will fulfill my promise to you, which I made to your father David. I will dwell among the Israelites and not abandon my people Israel.” (1 Kings‬ ‭6‬:‭11‬-‭13‬ ‭CSB‬‬) The key here is not the nature of the building itself but the life Solomon and his people will lead. If they are faithful to obey the Lord and walk in His ways, He will be faithful to fulfill His promise to them and never abandon them.

God always fulfills His promises. Even when we inevitably sin and fall short. Falter in our steps. Fail to observe His commands. He remains faithful. The story of the Old Testament is the story of a God who refuses to abandon His people despite their rebellion and sin. He refuses to leave them or forsake them. Even when He judges them and sends them into exile, He will go with them, proving to them that the Temple is not His only home. And with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on Pentecost, God now makes His home in the heart of every single believer. It’s why the Apostle Paul says we are God’s Temple because the Spirit of God lives in us. (1 Corinthians 3:16)

Readings for tomorrow: 1 Kings 7-8, Psalms 11

Abuse of Power

Readings for today: Proverbs 21-24

Several years ago, I spent time with a brilliant leader who worked for the United Nations. He was an indigenous leader in a war-torn country with masters degrees in three different disciplines and the UN had tapped him to help lead their relief efforts in country. He took me out to an internally displaced people’s camp (IDP) to show me the depth of suffering his people were experiencing. They were starving for lack of food. They were dying from preventable disease. They were living in unsanitary conditions. I asked him why the UN allowed such things. He told me it all had to do with power. The particular tribal identity of the people in the IDP camp was associated with the central government which meant they were part of the “oppressor” class. As a result, the UN cut their rations and refused to provide the care and support they needed to survive. Meanwhile, the tribal group who initiated the war and started the rebellion and caused much of the suffering was considered to be part of the “oppressed” class. It didn’t matter that their particular tribe had ruled the country with an iron fist for decades. They had been voted out of power in legitimate elections and therefore were now “oppressed” so they got the bulk of support. When I asked why the UN would take such an approach, the indigenous leader pointed out that as long as conflict continued in his country, the UN could exercise power and control. If peace ever truly broke out, there would be no need for the UN any longer so it actually was in their best interest to fan the flames of tribal enmity. I was stunned at his insight. It was one of the most educational experiences of my life.

Human beings have this innate tendency to abuse power. Evidence abounds from the draconian enforcement of home owner’s associations to the oppressive regulations of local agencies to the social engineering often attempted by legislators at regional and national levels. No matter where you live in the world today, human beings use power to exercise control over those around them. And this is nothing new. Consider what Solomon says in the Book of Proverbs today, “Don’t move an ancient boundary marker, and don’t encroach on the fields of the fatherless, for their Redeemer is strong, and he will champion their cause against you.” (Proverbs‬ ‭23‬:‭10‬-‭11‬ ‭CSB) The powerful will always attempt to take from the powerless. Ancient boundary markers in Israel marked out the inherited territory between the different tribes and even though these boundaries were established by God Himself, it didn’t stop the Israelites from trying to accumulate more territory. Especially from those who may be poor, weak, and unable to defend themselves. But Solomon reminds us that God is always watching and He defends the cause of the powerless. He takes up the cause of those who cannot defend themselves and He will judge those who abuse their power.

All of us exercise some measure of influence and power in our lives. It may be in our homes. It may be in our communities. It may be in our work or at school. It may be in our church or some other social agency we’re part of. Maybe it’s even in government. God expects us to use our power to serve. To bless. To lift up those who cannot lift up themselves. It is not to be used to benefit ourselves nor are we to exercise power in a way that privileges one class of people over another. We must always remember that is the Redeemer of those He entrusts into our care and He will champion their cause.

Readings for tomorrow: 1 Kings 5-6, 2 Chronicles 2-3

Discernment

Readings for today: Proverbs 17-20

The truth is almost impossible to discern these days. Every news story has an angle. Every commentator has an agenda. Every social media post has a slant. All of them designed for a particular audience. Just about every day, I scan the headlines of the BBC, CNN, and FoxNews. I read the Wall Street Journal and the New York Times. I scroll through Twitter where I intentionally follow a diverse group of people from across the social, political, and religious spectrum. And while my sample size isn’t all that big, it’s also not small and the thing I’ve learned over the years is never take anything at face value. Make sure you try to listen and understand all the perspectives in play on a particular issue before you draw any conclusions.

The same is true for our interpersonal interactions. I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve been asked to intervene in a conflict between spouses, parents and children, leaders in a church, business associates, even groups of friends. As I listen to the different parties, I often wonder if they’re talking the same incident? Their perspectives can be so different. Their individual points of view filtered through all kinds of internal biases, not to mention the warping effect of self-righteousness and sin. This is why it is essential to make time to listen to all parties. Get all the information on the table. Make sure everyone feels heard and valued. Only then can one begin to talk about forgiveness and reconciliation. Where did I learn all this from? King Solomon. Listen to how he puts it,

“The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him.” (Proverbs‬ ‭18‬:‭17‬ ‭CSB‬‬)

We have a tendency to believe the first thing we hear especially if it comes from a member of our tribe or someone we have a personal relationship with. We rush to take sides in a conflict. We are so quick to judge and condemn. We see it in politics. We see it in society. We see it in the church. Think of the animosity that exists between our different political parties or different ethnic groups or different economic classes. It even spills over into the church. I think of a recent case here in Colorado where a group of pastors began attacking their colleagues across the state for not joining them on a particular crusade. It wasn’t that other pastors weren’t engaged, it’s that they didn’t engage the way this particular group wanted them to. And therein lies our problem. We assume the worst of each other. We accuse each other of operating in bad faith. We only consider the evidence that fits our particular narrative. It’s a vicious cycle that can only end one way. Division. Conflict. Even violence. Hatred and outrage ratcheting up to dangerous levels. Because there can be no compromise with the enemy. The only good and just and righteous thing to do is destroy them.

“The first to state his case seems right until another comes and cross-examines him.” As Christians, we are called to discern the truth. We must reject falsehoods or half-truths of any kind. We are not given the option to embrace only that which supports our particular tribal narrative. We must never operate in underhanded, manipulative, deceitful ways. We must take all the evidence into account. We must walk with complete honesty and transparency before the Lord and before the world. We listen before we speak. We make a complete investigation before we draw any conclusions. We never assume. And we always try to engage in good faith and with the best intentions.

Readings for tomorrow: No devotionals on Sundays

Words

Readings for today: Proverbs 13-16

I am once again heading to a national denominational meeting in a couple of weeks. I do this every summer. Always on the third week of June. Most of the time, I look forward to the meeting. It’s a great chance to catch up with friends and colleagues from across the country. I love the sense of shared purpose and mission we’ve had over the years. I love the way we have tried to find unity in the essentials of the faith and given each other freedom in the non-essentials. However, in recent years, the mood has changed. Divisions have emerged as we tackle difficult issues. There is a lot of frustration, confusion, and even anger. Backchannel conversations are taking place. Battle lines are forming. Political maneuvering has taken the place of discernment. The tension is rising. It’s spilling over online and in person. Several pastors and churches have made good on their threat to leave the denomination and several more may be on there way out. It’s heartbreaking to witness.

As I prepare for the meeting, I find myself praying we would take a step back and follow the advice of Solomon. Humble ourselves before the Lord and each other - as we promised in our ordination vows - and speak gently and kindly and lovingly to one another. Here are just a few verses from today’s reading that come to mind…

“A gentle answer turns away anger, but a harsh word stirs up wrath.”

“The tongue that heals is a tree of life, but a devious tongue breaks the spirit.”

“The lips of the wise broadcast knowledge, but not so the heart of fools.”

‭‭(Proverbs‬ ‭15‬:‭1‬, ‭4‬, ‭7‬ ‭CSB‬‬)

Sadly, these things are in short supply these days, even in the church. Gentleness is not considered a virtue but a vice. It is despised as people seem to prefer harsh accusations as they seek to tear down those with whom they disagree. A tongue that heals is considered weak and compromised. Much better to have a devious tongue when one is engaged in a fight. We no longer seem to be interested in broadcasting knowledge, much less wisdom, but instead delight in deceit. All of this flows from a heart that is far more interested in perpetuating conflict than pursuing peace. A heart that is more interested in winning a fight rather than winning another person’s heart. A heart that is arrogantly convinced of its own self-righteousness rather than humble enough to acknowledge it could be wrong.

Solomon’s words apply to every relationship in life, of course. I have seen marriages saved as couples commit to speaking words of healing rather than words of hurt to each other. I have seen friendships reconciled as people work through their differences with gentleness and respect. I have seen communities revive as leaders recommit themselves to the pursuit of knowledge and wisdom and push back against the rising tide of misinformation and disinformation that seems to clog the airwaves these days. But, as Jesus says, out of the heart the mouth speaks. So the most important thing to ponder today is the state of your heart. To give a gentle answer, one must have a gentle heart. To speak words of healing, one must have a heart that is healed. To broadcast knowledge, one must love knowledge and seek knowledge. Ask the Spirit to give you this heart so you might speak these words to those you love and live among.

Readings for tomorrow: Proverbs 17-20

Wisdom vs. Folly

Readings for today: Proverbs 9-12

Proverbs 9 is a favorite of mine. Probably because it is so clear and direct. The contrast between wisdom and folly could not be more clear. Live your life according to God’s wisdom and it will - generally speaking - head one direction. Live your life according to human wisdom, otherwise known as folly, and it will head a different direction. The first road leads to blessing. The second road leads to destruction. The first road is filled with all kinds of meaning and purpose. The second road is filled with sin and self-indulgence. The first road leads to a deep, intimate relationship with God. The second road leads down to the Pit, down to Sheol.

Before I became a Christian, I dwelt in Folly’s house. I was foolish and gullible. I was enslaved to my desires. I was a drunk. I was lazy. I lived only for myself and only for the moment. The further down that road I went, the worse things got for me. I was depressed. Anxious and afraid. I could see my life was headed to down to the depths of Sheol. But I had no way out. Everywhere I turned, there was a dead end. Then I met Jesus. And I accepted His gracious invitation to become part of His family. He surrounded me with all kinds of people who prayed for me and ministered to me and mentored me. They taught me how to live according to God’s wisdom. They taught me how to be intentional about my life. They showed me what the “fear of the Lord” looked like in real, everyday life. And I was hooked. My life began to turn around. My hopes and dreams returned. I humbly submitted to their teaching. I accepted their rebukes when I sinned. I gained wisdom slowly over time and my life became filled with blessing. I have never looked back. Not even for a moment. I have never longed to return to my old ways because the way of Jesus is so much more glorious and beautiful and true.

Both women in Proverbs 9 issue the same invitation. “Whoever is inexperienced, enter here!” They both call to the simple. To the one who lacks understanding. To the one who is searching. And both make the same promise. They promise satisfaction. They promise the fulfillment of all your desires. The difference is in the path they offer. Wisdom offers the path of self-discipline, correction, and instruction. She offers a life lived under the fear of the Lord. Folly, on the other hand, offers self-indulgence, instant gratification, and laziness. She offers a life lived under the power of sin. Take the first path and your days will be long and years will be added to your life and you will be blessed. Take the second path and your days will be short and years will be stolen from your life and you will be cursed.

Readings for tomorrow: Proverbs 13-16

Company

Readings for today: Proverbs 1-4

None of us is an island. None of us “does life” on our own. We are shaped profoundly by the company we keep. Our families of origin. The friends we hang out with. The professional relationships we develop. The clubs we join. The churches we attend. We are all products of the human system and the human system is fundamentally communal. I think about when my children were younger. My wife and I talked to them at length about their friends. We encouraged them to be wise in who they chose to spend time with. When they chose poorly, they suffered the consequences. When they chose wisely, they benefited tremendously. The same is true for all of us no matter how old or young we may be.

None of this is new, of course, and it’s why Solomon encourages his own son to beware of bad company. “My son, if sinners entice you,  don’t be persuaded. If they say, “Come with us! Let’s set an ambush  and kill someone. Let’s attack some innocent person just for fun! Let’s swallow them alive, like Sheol, whole, like those who go down to the Pit. We’ll find all kinds of valuable property and fill our houses with plunder. Throw in your lot with us, and we’ll all share the loot”, my son, don’t travel that road with them or set foot on their path, because their feet run toward evil and they hurry to shed blood. It is useless to spread a net where any bird can see it, but they set an ambush to kill themselves; they attack their own lives. Such are the paths of all who make profit dishonestly; it takes the lives of those who receive it.”(Proverbs‬ ‭1‬:‭10‬-‭19‬ ‭CSB‬‬) It’s the practical application of Psalm 1 which talks about not walking in the counsel of the ungodly or standing in the path of sinners or sitting in the seat of mockers. The world is full of all kinds of enticements. All kinds of temptations. It’s so easy to compromise here or there. Indulge just a little. But that road only leads to self-destruction. It steals life rather than gives it.

Much better to trust God. Much better to seek His wisdom. Much better to surround yourself with godly people and wise counselors. Much better to walk in the fear of the Lord. When we seek God’s ways above our own ways, it leads to blessing. We receive life rather than lose it. The community around us is lifted up. I think of the men and women I just spent two weeks training in Africa. Part of their work is agricultural sustainability projects. Farming and animal husbandry. We give them the tools and training and resources necessary to provide food security for themselves with the charge to share what they’ve learned with their neighbors. As a result, thousands and thousands of homes (over 18,000 in just the last year) are now food secure in a very food insecure region of the world. Nutrition and hunger and starvation is being eliminated one village at a time. We call this “redemptive lift” and it is the natural result of the gospel penetrating a community for the first time.

We have the same opportunity over here in our own neighborhoods. All it takes is a little time and intentionality to bring redemptive lift to our neighbors and friends in our community. Where do you start? How about hosting an ice cream social on your driveway and invite all your neighbors? How about putting a fire pit out front with hot chocolate on Halloween for all the trick or treaters and their parents? How about attending a game or a play or a musical at your local middle and high school to support the students? How about volunteering at your local food pantry? It’s not hard to find a way to bring the light of the gospel into your community and give people a chance to be shaped in new and profound ways by the Lord.

Readings for tomorrow: Proverbs 5-8

Knocking

Readings for today: Song of Songs 5:2-16, 6, 7, 8:14, Psalms 45

God is always knocking on the door of our hearts. I think of the well-known verse from Revelation 3:20, “See! I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him and he with me.” It’s an open invitation to experience deep fellowship with the Lord. Lesser known, but perhaps even more powerful when couched in the context of an erotic love poem, are the words from Song of Songs. “A sound! My love was knocking! Open to me, my sister, my darling, my dove, my perfect one.” (Song of Songs 5:2 CSB) Here the groom comes for his bride. He comes to experience the deepest intimacy with his beloved. He longs to be with her but sadly, she refuses. She is already washed and ready for bed. She doesn’t want to be inconvenienced. Surely there is plenty of time tomorrow?

Tomorrow isn’t guaranteed. Nor is it guaranteed that God will stand at the door and knock forever. The bride finally decides to get up and answer the door but her love had turned away. He had gone. Her heart sank because he had left. In a panic, she rushes out to search for him. But she did not find him. She cries out to him but he does not answer. Those who do answer her cries beat and abuse her. They care nothing for her. Does any of this feel or sound familiar? How often do we treat our time with God as an inconvenience? How often do we prioritize other things? How often do we refuse to open the door when He knocks? And then what happens? What happens when our worldly priorities can’t satisfy the deepest longings of our hearts? What happens when the world beats us up and abuses us and leaves us hurting in the streets? What happens when God seems absent? Distant? Deaf to our cries? Are we willing to honestly confess our sins and take responsibility for our part in the relationship?

This principle applies to all our relationships in life. How often do our spouses knock on the door of our hearts? How often do our children cry out for our attention? How often do the people we love and live with and live among and work alongside express a need? Are we too busy to answer? Are we too wrapped up in ourselves to pay any attention? Are we in too much of a hurry to slow down and listen? Who is knocking on the door of your heart today?

Readings for tomorrow: Proverbs 1-4

Longing

Readings for today: Song of Songs 1-4, 5:1

The Song of Songs is a strange book. An erotic love poem between a man and a woman. Perhaps Solomon and one of his brides. Perhaps not. Many question how in the world it found itself included within the canon of Scripture. But the people of God have always ascribed a deeper meaning to this poem. Yes, on the surface it depicts an intense intimacy between two lovers but on a deeper, more spiritual level, it depicts an intense longing for God. Perhaps that’s why some Christian traditions read this book as they prepare to celebrate the Sacrament of the Lord’s Supper.

The word “yada” in Hebrew means “to know.” And not just know on an intellectual level. It conveys the deepest level of knowing possible. The knowledge that comes from the mingling together of souls. The joining together of two into one. And this is why I believe the Song of Songs is such a powerful book. It is an allegory of the love between God and His people. It describes in great detail the depth and breadth and sweep and scope of God’s love. It is a love that is intimate on every level. It consumes the attention of the beloved. If you are married, think back to when you first were dating. You probably couldn’t stop thinking of the other person. Your love for them was overwhelming. Your desire to be with them was hard to resist. And really, why would you resist? They were the most important person in your life! They were your highest priority. Nothing could ever take their place in your heart. The same should be true in our relationship with God. And it’s why the Apostle Paul talks about marriage as a sign that points to the union between the church and Christ. It’s a reference back to the Song of Songs.

I know this isn’t necessarily a comfortable thought. Mainly because the church has gotten the gift of sex so wrong for so long. Either we treat it as something “dirty” or “unholy” out of fear or we scorn and trivialize it like the culture around us. Either way, we get it all wrong. Sex is a gift given to one man and one woman who commit to living within the covenant of marriage. It is a gift meant to draw us close. Make us one flesh literally if not figuratively. Similarly, when we enter into a covenant with God, we experience the same intimacy. Drawing us close. Making us one with Christ. Take a few minutes and re-read the passage for today. Think about your relationship with Christ. Ask the Holy Spirit to make you one with Him.

Readings for tomorrow: No devotionals on Sundays

The Hope of Eternity

Readings for today: Psalms 119:89-176

“If your instructions had not been my delight, I would have died in my affliction.” This line hit different today. Mainly because I am spending time with brothers and sisters who cling to the Word of God for life. Literally. This is not a metaphor for them. It’s not an abstract philosophical concept. They depend on God for life. They depend on God for daily provision. They depend on God for protection in an area where there is often significant persecution. Salvation, for them, involves the body, mind, heart, and soul. It’s not just a private spiritual experience. And it’s powerful to witness.

As I trained yesterday, I found myself wondering what keeps them going? We are training in almost 100 degree heat in a building with a metal roof which makes it feel like an oven at times. The sun is relentless. It’s the hottest and driest month of the year for them in this part of the country. Some of them travel for days. They sleep on the floors of churches while they are here. All they have are the clothes on their back and their training materials. Some of them are in dangerous areas. They travel through conflict zones. Some of them are persecuted regularly. All of them live in deep, deep poverty. As I listen to their stories, I can hear the incredible faith. They truly believe God is their Protector, Deliverer, and Savior. They truly believe His ways are the highest ways and His law stands eternal and provides a strong foundation for their lives. Their hope is not in the things of this world or in the governments of this world but in heaven itself. It’s powerful to witness.

Spending time with them makes my own time with the Lord sweeter. Jet lag has me rising early in the morning hours. The city is quiet. The hotel lobby is deserted. I can come down and sit with the Lord. People have asked me if God speaks more clearly to me over here. Yes and no. It’s not that God is somehow more clear over here and less clear when I am home, it’s that I’m able to hear more clearly because my life is more free of distraction. My prayers are more focused because there is less noise. My meditation and reflection on God’s Word is more fruitful because my time is less hurried. I am currently making my way home. Pretty soon I will be back into my daily routines. One of the things I always try to do when I get back from a trip is find ways to slow my routine down. Find ways to eliminate distractions. Find ways to spend unhurried time with the Lord. I don’t want to lose the connection I’ve gained by being over here.

Readings for tomorrow: Song of Songs 1-4, 5:1

Ask Anything

Readings for today: 1 Kings 3-4, 2 Chronicles 1, Psalms 72

“At Gibeon the Lord appeared to Solomon in a dream by night, and God said, "Ask. What should I give you?" (1 Kings‬ ‭3:5 CSB‬)

Put yourself in Solomon’s shoes as you read today. You have a glorious vision of God. He literally bends the heavens to come down and enter your dreams as you sleep. He says to you, “What shall I give to you?” “What is it you want?” “Tell me your heart’s desire and I will make it happen.” What would you say? What would you ask for?

Don’t let yourself respond too quickly. Take a moment. Let the Spirit search your heart as you ponder and reflect. As you think, let me encourage you to get in touch with your deepest fears. We all have them. Secret fears we harbor in our hearts that we spend a lifetime running from or protecting ourselves from. So much of how we choose to live our lives is in response to primordial fears we all carry inside. Fear of failure. Fear of not having enough. Fear of being unsafe. Fears for our children or our children’s children. Fear of insignificance. Fear of disease. Fear of death. What do you think Solomon was afraid of? As a young man, he had just inherited a powerful kingdom in the Middle East. Not the safest or calmest place in the world! He was surrounded by powerful neighbors with powerful armies. He faced enemies both at home and abroad. As fabulous as his wealth was, it was fleeting in the ancient world. It could be here today and gone tomorrow. There was no FDIC to guarantee his money. His people were looking to him for guidance and wisdom. What if he failed? What if he couldn’t live up to his father’s incredible legacy? All eyes turned to him as he ascended the throne. Would he be able to hold it? Would he preside over a period of peace and prosperity or would the nation crumble under his leadership? What if famines struck? What if the rains didn’t come? What if harvests failed? Plagues struck his livestock? So much responsibility at such a young age.

I imagine Solomon’s dreams were often filled with anxiety and fear. The pressure to perform had to be enormous. So when the Lord came to him with this question - “What shall I give to you?” - Solomon responds from the depths of his heart. “So give your servant a receptive heart to judge your people and to discern between good and evil. For who is able to judge this great people of yours?” ‭(1 Kings‬ ‭3:9 CSB‬) Centuries later, a man named James would encourage God’s people to pray a similar prayer. “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.” (James‬ ‭1:5 CSB‬) It’s a potent prayer. Transcending time and place and circumstance. Solomon is clearly not simply focused on the present or even the short-term. He knows the challenges he will face. He knows the years will weigh heavy. He knows there will be trials and tribulations and struggles and heartache. He knows all of this and so he asks for divine wisdom to make good decisions for the sake of God’s people. How selfless and humble!

The most amazing thing about Solomon is that he’s in touch with his needs. He knows he is weak. He knows he is young. He knows he is immature. He knows he is unable to carry the burden that has been placed on his shoulders. He acknowledges all of this and his prayer therefore comes from that deep place within as he asks for divine wisdom to bear up under the challenges that will come. Are you in touch with your deepest needs? Have you spent time reflecting on your fears? Have you come face to face with your failures? Do you acknowledge your weakness and insignificance and are you willing to bring it before God? This, friends, is prayer. Humble. Heartfelt. Authentic. Real. Honest to goodness prayer. And such prayers God will never dismiss or despise!

Readings for tomorrow: Psalms 119:89-176