Return to Me

Today: Malachi 1-4

One year ago, I started this Bible reading blog to grow in my relationship with God, to be more disciplined in my commitment to know Him better. I wanted to challenge myself and really commit to "putting God first" before my pursuits of some other major life goals and desires. I haven't been disappointed.

As I read today's passage, I reflected on the journey of this past year. I can't say that it's been all sunshine and roses. In fact, it's been pretty rocky in a few areas. But one thing that's remained constant? God's overwhelming presence--and His love for me.

This excerpt stood out to me today (even though it was written to the people of Israel many years before I even took my first breath):

God said, "I love you."

You replied, "Really? How have you loved us?"

"Look at history"
(this is God's answer).

Love this reminder! It is always good to remember just how much God has been at work in my life--in good times and in bad. He has a history of loving me and helping me. Always.

In another part of today's passage, God addresses His people--who are (again!) disobeying Him. Check it out:

"I am God—yes, I Am.

I haven't changed.

And because I haven't changed,

you, the descendants of Jacob, haven't been destroyed.

You have a long history of ignoring my commands.

You haven't done a thing I've told you.

Return to me so I can return to you,"

says God-of-the-Angel-Armies.

There is something pretty amazing about a God whose love and faithfulness is constant and unchanging. If I've learned anything over the past year, it's this: God keeps His promises--He is always there. Sometimes, we just need to return to Him, accept the love He offers and commit to living according to His purpose. When we return to God, He returns to us so much more--love we don't deserve and life more abundant than we can even imagine. On to the next adventure...

Is anything too much?

Today: Zechariah 8-14

Lately when I've asked people how they're doing (particularly while at work), one common answer I've heard is: "Overwhelmed."

In the current economy, unemployed people who are overwhelmed at the prospects of job hunting. Parents re overwhelmed with toddlers throwing random tantrums, teens testing their boundaries and new high school grads needing help with their college tuition bills. And workers are overwhelmed by "doing more with less"--the mantra of companies low on resources in need of growth. It all sounds like too much!

In today's passage, God's people were overwhelmed. They were living in captivity, but working to return home to rebuild God's Temple and their city--talk about a major project! I love what God said to them here:

"Do the problems of returning and rebuilding
by just a few survivors
seem too much?
But is anything too much for me?
Not if I have my say."

It's reassuring to know that God is never overwhelmed--and He's on my side. I have faced days that are too much for me...and chances are, I'll probably face more. In the moments when I feel overwhelmed, I know it's time to trust God. He is always strong. And instead of being overwhelmed, He overcomes--and helps me to overcome life's obstacles, too.

Tomorrow: Malachi

Religion or relationship?

Today: Zechariah 1-7

Religion is sometimes a controversial topic. One definition?

A collection of practices, based on beliefs and teachings that are highly valued or sacred;
Any practice that someone or some group is seriously devoted to;
Any ongoing practice one engages in, in order to shape their character or improve traits of
their personality...

In this definition, religion is something you practice--it's something you do. This is how many people all over the world define it: they see religion as traditions and rituals they complete.

In today's passage, God's people asked Him about one of their religious practices--routine fasting. Check out God's response:

"When you held days of fasting every fifth and seventh month
all these seventy years,
were you doing it for me?
And when you held feasts, was that for me?
Hardly.
You're interested in religion,

I'm interested in people.

"There's nothing new to say on the subject...
God-of-the-Angel-Armies said then and says now:
"'Treat one another justly.
Love your neighbors.
Be compassionate with each other.
Don't take advantage of widows, orphans, visitors, and the poor.
Don't plot and scheme against one another—that's evil.'

God's response is interesting because it's actually about practices, too--but it's MORE about hearts, motivations and of course, people. Religion is about things you do, but a real relationship with God is about loving Him, loving people and living with a transformed heart, mind and spirit.

Tomorrow: Zechariah 8-14

Look at your life

Today: Haggai

Yesterday I was in close proximity to one of the most tragic events ever. I wasn't sure I should write about it, but I think it's too important NOT to write about.

In the middle of the morning, I noticed colleagues gathering around the windows of our office building. They described seeing a dead body on the street, surrounded by a pool of blood. A man's dead body was in front of a nearby parking garage.

Was he hit by a car?

No cars were nearby.

Was it a hit and run accident?

No.

We quickly learned that this man's death was not caused by either one of these tragedies. Apparently, the man jumped from a high level of the parking garage--on purpose.

I am not an expert. I don't know what it feels like to be in such a place of hopelessness. Personally, I couldn't even look out the windows. I did not want mental pictures of this tragedy imprinted on my mind.

I don't know anything about the deceased man, but as the scene unfolded and I watched the reactions of others, I couldn't help but wonder: What separates us from suicide?

That may sound like a strange question, but I think most people, at some point or another, feel that their lives are futile. They feel sad or stuck in a rut or lonely--but they don't jump. Why?

Today's passage shed some interesting light on this topic. Take a look at God's Word to His people here:

"Take a good, hard look at your life.
Think it over.
You have spent a lot of money,
but you haven't much to show for it.
You keep filling your plates,
but you never get filled up.
You keep drinking and drinking and drinking,
but you're always thirsty.
You put on layer after layer of clothes,
but you can't get warm.
And the people who work for you, what are they getting out of it?
Not much— a leaky, rusted-out bucket, that's what.

That's why God-of-the-Angel-Armies said:

"Take a good, hard look at your life.
Think it over."

Then God said: "Here's what I want you to do:
Climb into the hills and cut some timber.
Bring it down and rebuild the Temple.
Do it just for me.
Honor me.
You've had great ambitions for yourselves,
but nothing has come of it...

The beginning of this excerpt points to the emptiness of lives without a sense of purpose, love or honor for God. It's about people whose lives are focused on themselves, stuff and temporary highs.

The ambitions that seem so great are actually empty--but when we honor God, our lives are enriched.

It's interesting that in this passage, God talks to His people about how He wants to be honored: by giving to His House.

He doesn't just say to the people, "Love me. Pray. Sing me some songs." (Though in other Scriptures, it's clear God does want our love and worship). Here, He asks His people to give of their wealth to rebuild His House. God knows that our money represents our time and talent--and that we spend money on what we value. Part of God's righteous anger was because His House was in ruins while the peoples' homes were overflowing with riches--it just wasn't right to Him.

God doesn't want us to live empty lives--He doesn't want anyone to live without hope because He IS hope! God created us to live abundant adventures. However, this kind of living happens when we stop living solely for ourselves, when we honor Him first, give and hope for a greater purpose.

Tomorrow: Zechariah 1-7

Soul empty

Today: Habakkuk-Zephaniah

"You know we should probably stop for gas..." my Mom said as she glanced at a gas tank on "E."

"Don't worry--I could get us to Seattle and back on this," Dad replied jokingly...about a zillion times throughout my childhood.

Thankfully, I don't even remember running out of gas in my parents' car. I don't even know why Dad was comfortable driving on empty (at least for a little while). My parents could always afford gas. Maybe it was just easier than taking time to fill up? Or maybe it was the thrill of living on the edge? I don't know.

My Dad's gas tank may have been sooo empty, but have you ever met someone who seemed soul empty?

Today's passage described such a person:

Look at that man,

bloated by self-importance—

full of himself

but soul-empty.

But the person in right standing before God

through loyal and steady believing

is fully alive, really alive.

What a contrast!

When we think we're the most important, we're empty. When we trust in God (instead of just trusting in ourselves or things), we're really alive.

It's important to note that people who are self-important may not be the people you and I would consider arrogant, stuck up or pompous. In this context, the verse is talking about people who are self-centered and selfish--characteristics that aren't always easy to spot because often, they are tied to motives.

Being totally self-reliant or self-important may sound good, but they lead to the soul emptiness that is truly sad, isolating and destructive.

It's better to be soul filled, leaning on God's strength, provision and leadership for your life.

Tomorrow: Haggai

Patient power

Today: Nahum


If you had all the power in the world, what would you do?


I would hope that I would think of some amazingly awesome things like curing cancer, healing all kinds of addiction, ending poverty and...the beauty pageant answer...bringing "world peace."


But my hunch is that I would also exude my new found power to take out my frustration on those people who embody some of my personal pet peeves or actual hatred. For example, I might instantly take away drivers' licenses from people who don't know how to merge on the freeway. I might instantly send people who confuse "your" and "you're" back to the first grade. And I would banish child molesters to Antarctica without food or water.

It is probably a good thing for everyone--especially bad drivers, poor spellers and child molesters--that I am not all-powerful (or working in law enforcement or education).

Thank God He's the one in control of this universe. I really like what this excerpt said about His character:

God is serious business.

He won't be trifled with.

He avenges his foes.

He stands up against his enemies, fierce and raging.

But God doesn't lose his temper.

He's powerful, but it's a patient power.

God doesn't give up on bad drivers. And as hard as it is for me to understand, He doesn't totally abandon child molesters. God is patient and forgiving. He gives us the power to choose repentance, but He is also just: we face consequences for our actions. The consequences may happen here on Earth or in Heaven, but eventually, we'll be accountable for our actions. God's patient power is part of His perfection.

Tomorrow: Habakkuk-Zephaniah

What God thinks, does, makes and wants

Today: Micah

Today's chapters followed a similar pattern: God talked to (and through) a prophet about His disappointment in His people. He prophesied hard times ahead as consequence for their disobedience. However, as I read Micah today, I saw God's hand at work through the ups and downs of Israel. Through everything (and even through these short chapters), the love of God and the hope He has for His people was crystal clear.

Let's review this segment where Micah talks about ungodly people's views of God's work with His people:

These blasphemers have no idea

what God is thinking and doing in this.

They don't know that this is the making of God's people,

that they are wheat being threshed, gold being refined.

On your feet, Daughter of Zion!

Be threshed of chaff,

be refined of dross.

I'm remaking you into a people invincible...

I love the hope in these sentences: While God's people are facing consequences for their disobedience, God is shaping them into something stronger. He used hard times in their history to build them up. When that kind of God-shaped transformation happens, most of us don't see it because it looks like a mess--it looks like a bunch of problems and challenges and disasters. But those things can refine us--as long as God's in it and we don't allow problems, challenges, and disasters to define and destroy us.

I also liked this excerpt about God's clear direction for His people. Just before these verses, the prophet describes God's relationship with Israel through history--how He led them out of slavery and blessed them with good leaders, like Moses, who led them to the Promised Land. Take a look:

But he's already made it plain how to live, what to do,

what God is looking for in men and women.

It's quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor,

be compassionate and loyal in your love,

And don't take yourself too seriously—

take God seriously.

Isn't that good?

Often we fail because we try to do things our way, instead of God's way. We think we're strong and independent. We think we know the answers. We think we don't need Him--we think wrong.

God thinks beyond what we're able to comprehend. God does the unexpected. God makes miracles--transforming lives and situations that seem lost and hopeless.

Perhaps the most shocking idea in the Bible? God wants us.

God wants us to choose Him, love Him, trust Him and live the lives He's dreamed for us long before we were ever born.

Tomorrow: Nahum

Running from God

Today: Obadiah-Jonah

I'm not a rocket scientist, but I think it would be pretty crazy to try an outrun a cheetah. Or a Ferrari. Or an Olympic athlete.

Yet, there are some people who try to run from God.

In today's passage, we met one of them: Jonah. God told Jonah to go to the city of Ninevah--and Jonah didn't want to go, so he ran. In the process, he put lives at risks--the lives of other passengers on a ship to Tarshish, his own life and the lives of the people from Ninevah. Plus, he had to go through the drama of being thrown into a wild storm, swallowed by a fish, and living in the belly of a fish (eww...can't imagine how that smelled!) for three days.

Running from God? Not a good idea. Not even possible!

It's interesting to see how Jonah--and how many people (probably me, too, at times!) try to run from God. God sees everything! Throughout this story, it was clear God saw Jonah, but God also saw the people on the ship. He saw the people of Ninevah, even though their hearts were far from Him.

God LOVED all of these people, despite their failures. God saved Jonah with the big fish. God protected the people on the ship with Jonah. And God cared enough about the people of Ninevah to send Jonah to help them--and to make sure that Jonah delivered His message!

With all of these truths in mind, I'm going to end this post with a question: Why do we try to run from God, especially when God is the One always running toward us--with love?

Tomorrow: Micah

What NOT to do

Today: Amos 6-9

There's a show on TLC (The Learning Channel) called "What Not To Wear." The show selects someone who needs serious fashion help. Typically, they show embarrassing footage. They critique their subjects' wardrobe choices--pointing out what NOT to wear (naturally, of course).

Today's passage reminded me of that show...but with some substance. God gave the prophet Amos some words about what NOT to do. I thought His words were as poignant then as they are today. Take a look:

Woe to those who live only for today,

indifferent to the fate of others!

Woe to the playboys,

the playgirls,

who think life is a party held just for them!

Woe to those addicted to feeling good—life without pain!

those obsessed with looking good—life without wrinkles!

They could not care less

about their country going to ruin.

Ouch!

It's amazing how much we can choose to focus on things that make us feel good, things that are temporary or superficial. It's not wrong to have fun--but when self-centered or temporary things supersede the eternal things that REALLY matter, there's a problem. We can learn from others' mistakes and from this excerpt--what NOT to do can help us focus on the things that really matter--which aren't things at all.

Tomorrow: Obadiah-Jonah

Things, people and God

Today: Amos 1-5

"There's a person behind the hand on the other side of your coffee cup. A person! Do you see them?"

This past weekend, I heard these words from Pastor Paul Scanlon. He was talking about the importance of truly caring for people. (Check out his book "The 15 Revolution" via the link above for more on that.)

When I read today's passage, Pastor Paul's message came to mind. Through the prophet Amos, God describes His disappointment in nations that have disregarded Him. Here's how He described His own people--the people of Israel and their view of people:

People for them are only things—
ways of making money.
They'd sell a poor man for a pair of shoes.

They'd sell their own grandmother!

They grind the penniless into the dirt,

shove the luckless into the ditch.

Everyone and his brother sleeps with the 'sacred whore'—

a sacrilege against my Holy Name.

Stuff they've extorted from the poor is piled up at the shrine of their god,

While they sit around drinking wine they've conned from their victims.
"In contrast, I was always on your side..."

It's interesting in this passage to see how Israel's treatment of people--particularly the vulnerable and less fortunate of society--was a reflection of their treatment toward God. They dismissed God and they totally dismissed the people He created. They were selfish and sacrilegious--giving idols items stolen from people--real people--God's people.

It doesn't seem to make any sense! However, I think this passage illustrates that when our views of God are off track, our views of people and things are warped, too. If we love God, we love the people He made and died for. Money and things can't top human lives created in God's image. When we really love God, we stop allowing idols to drive our actions. We live to love God and people more than ourselves or our things.

Tomorrow: Amos 6-9

Change your life

Today: Joel

If you ask people about their life goals or New Year's resolutions, often you'll hear answers like this:

"I want to lose weight."

"I'm hoping to pay off my credit card debt."

"I want to travel more."

Those goals are all good. But have you ever noticed that most people (myself included at times!) try to change external factors without changing root issues that cause their external problems?

For example, the people in the examples above could potentially be more successful if their goals sounded more like this:

"I want to change my perspective on this body God's given me--to take better care of it because God made it and has entrusted it to my care."

"I'd like to be a better care-taker over the resources I've been given. I want to be a responsible saver and a generous giver."

"I want to be passionate about my life again."

When I read today's passage, I noticed an excerpt where God was challenging people to change their hearts instead of just changing their exteriors. Take a look:

Change your life, not just your clothes.

Come back to God, your God.

And here's why: God is kind and merciful.

He takes a deep breath, puts up with a lot,

This most patient God,

extravagant in love,

always ready to cancel catastrophe.

Who knows?

Maybe he'll do it now,

maybe he'll turn around and show pity.

Maybe, when all's said and done,

there'll be blessings full and robust for your God!

I really like this excerpt because it's another stunning picture of God's character. At a moment when His people are distant and deep in sin, these verses highlight His patient and extravagant love. When we genuinely approach Him and ask for forgiveness, He grants it--not begrudgingly, but instantaneously. So amazing!

Tomorrow: Amos 1-5

Just Word

Today: Hosea 8-14

Sow righteousness,

reap love.

It's time to till the ready earth,

it's time to dig in with God,

Until he arrives...

Tomorrow: Joel

We are Hosea's wife...

Today: Hosea 1-7



As I read today's passage, I couldn't help but hear the words of one of my favorite singer/songwriters--Brooke Fraser. Brooke has a song based on this book of the Bible. It's a song called "Hosea's wife" and here are a few of the lyrics:

I see the scars of searches everywhere I go

From hearts to wars to literature to radio

There's a question like a shame no one will show

"What do I live for?"

We are Hosea's wife

We are squandering this life

Using people like ladders and words like knives

If we've eyes to see

If we've ears to hear

To find it in our hearts and mouths

The word that saves is near

Shed that shallow skin

Come and live again

Leave all you were before

To believe is to begin...

When I read today's passage, the dramatic story of Hosea and his wife was striking. God called Hosea to basically become a living illustrated message--Hosea's love for his wife, a former prostitute, paralleled the love of God for His people. When Hosea's wife rejected him and their children to go back to her life of whoring, Hosea pursued her with love and care. He bought her back--He paid a great price to redeem the woman who discarded Him. That's the kind of love that God has for us!

I really loved this part of the passage:

And now, here's what I'm going to do:

I'm going to start all over again.

I'm taking her back out into the wilderness

where we had our first date,

and I'll court her.

I'll give her bouquets of roses.

I'll turn Heartbreak Valley into Acres of Hope...

God loves us despite our own stupidity, selfishness and missteps, He loves us. And in the words of Brooke (that paraphrase this excerpt)--to believe is to begin.

Tomorrow: Hosea 8-14

Grapes (and grace) under pressure

Today: Daniel 10-12

This afternoon I was watching a Travel Channel show set in the beautiful region of Provence. The host (Samantha Brown) toured a very unique vineyard. The owner showed her vines with beautiful grapes...and then discussed something unexpected...the very rocky soil where the grapes grew. The rocks below the vines were as big as my fist!

He said something like this, "The ground is full of stones. It's rocky. But that makes the grapes stronger."

I think that sometimes our lives are like that--we can be like the grapes under pressure and choose to walk in grace despite the obstacles of our lives.

In today's passage, Daniel receives a prophetic vision of end times...times far ahead from his present. In part of these chapters, the angel describes some people who faced some serious pressure. Check it out:

The king of the north will play up to those who betray the holy covenant,

corrupting them even further with his seductive talk,

but those who stay courageously loyal to their God will take a strong stand.
"'Those who keep their heads on straight

will teach the crowds right from wrong by their example.

They'll be put to severe testing for a season:

some killed, some burned, some exiled, some robbed.

When the testing is intense,

they'll get some help,

but not much.

Many of the helpers will be halfhearted at best.

The testing will refine, cleanse, and purify

those who keep their heads on straight and stay true...

I think it's interesting that this passage doesn't describe a rescue. God doesn't come down on a white horse and pick up the people severely tested (and even killed!) for doing the right thing under pressure. Perhaps that seemed strange to you. It may feel heartless, uncaring, unjust. However, pressure can make people better (or lead to rewards in heaven).

If you ever doubt God while under fire, keep this in mind: Pressure has a purpose. And God has a purpose, too.

Tomorrow: Hosea 1-7

Compassion is our only hope

Today: Daniel 7-9

Daniel was a guy who knew how to pray--he LOVED talking to God and even risked his life to do it. Today's passage includes a powerful prayer from Daniel. In this prayer, Daniel is crying out to God for his country and for the people who have walked away from God. I love Daniel's confidence in God's compassion. I love Daniel's bold requests and genuine plea for mercy. Take a look at this prayer again and consider how it might apply to our lives and how we pray:

'Compassion is our only hope,

the compassion of you, the Master, our God,

since in our rebellion we've forfeited our rights.

We paid no attention to you

when you told us how to live,

the clear teaching that came through your servants the prophets.

All of us in Israel ignored what you said.

We defied your instructions and did what we pleased.

And now we're paying for it...

"'Master, you are our God,

for you delivered your people from the land of Egypt in a show of power—

people are still talking about it!

We confess that we have sinned, that we have lived bad lives.

Following the lines of what you have always done in setting things right,

setting people right,

please stop being so angry with Jerusalem...

We're a blot on the neighborhood.

So listen, God, to this determined prayer of your servant.

Have mercy on your ruined Sanctuary.

Act out of who you are, not out of what we are.

"'Turn your ears our way, God,

and listen.

Open your eyes

and take a long look at our ruined city, this city named after you.

We know that we don't deserve a hearing from you.

Our appeal is to your compassion.

This prayer is our last and only hope...

Tomorrow: Daniel 10-12

Lions and visions and kings--oh my!

Today: Daniel 4-6

This morning I was watching the "Today" show and saw a horrific news story (fyi: this video link is only part of it) about a bear that attacked, killed and injured campers in Yellowstone National Park. This event came to mind as I read today's passage and the famous story of Daniel in the lions' den with a fresh perspective.

The campers at Yellowstone did nothing to provoke a bear attack--the bear that attacked them was probably only at each camp site for minutes. Similarly, Daniel did nothing to provoke anyone, but was placed in a den with very dangerous lions FOR HOURS! In fact, people who were thrown into the lions' den after Daniel were basically killed in seconds--before they even hit the floor.

As I read the story again today, I realized just how miraculous it was. Not that I should be surprised--even in these short chapters, God performed other major miracles for Daniel, giving Daniel the power to interpret dreams and mysterious writing on a wall (from a disembodied hand!).

In several of these incidents, it was interesting to see the responses of people who doubted God before--people who thought they were god-like in power themselves. King Darius was one of those guys. I'd like to close today's post with his reflections on the miracle of Daniel in the lions' den and the incredible power of the God who saved him:

King Darius published this proclamation to every race, color, and creed on earth:

"Peace to you! Abundant peace!

I decree that

Daniel's God shall be worshiped and feared

in all parts of my kingdom.

He is the living God, world without end.

His kingdom never falls.

His rule continues eternally.

He is a savior and rescuer.

He performs astonishing miracles in heaven and on earth.

He saved Daniel from the power of the lions.

Tomorrow: Daniel 7-9

Standing in the fire

Today: Daniel 1-3

Sometimes when people ask me what I do for a living, I'd like to answer, "Firefighter."

At times, it feels like an accurate description of my workday. And besides--firefighters are just plain cool--and hot at the same time. :)

Do I fight actual fires? Only on my BBQ grill.

Am I under life-threatening pressure? Not exactly.

However, I think Daniel, Shadrach, Meschach and Abednego could have described their lives as firefighters...and not just because of the incident described in today's passage about the latter three standing in a fiery furnace.

These guys were superhero-cool. They had courage to stand in the fire literally, but also to put their lives on the line for God. They were smart. They were strong. They were leaders...even while they were held captive in another country.

What qualities helped them stand in the fire--both literally and as the minority God-fearing group of four faced with massive obstacles?

Bold faith. Conviction. A lot of prayer! Commitment to honor God. Courage. God's miraculous power. Vision.

With God's help, you and I can develop the same characteristics as these four famous firefighters. We face fires in our everyday lives--at work, home and even at church. One thing that's interesting about fire? It can destroy or refine things, depending on what they're made of. Fire destroys buildings, paper and trees--but it refines and purifies precious metals. The fires of our lives are like that--they can damage and destroy us or make us better.

Can you handle the heat?

Tomorrow: Daniel 4-6

God's city

Today: Ezekiel 46-48

"You're the God of this city. You're the king of these people. You're the Lord of this nation. You are." If you've ever heard Chris Tomlin's "God of This City," these lyrics may sound familiar.

But have you ever thought about what it would be like...what it would really be like...if God was the God of your city?

In today's passage, God continues to give the prophet Ezekiel a vision of His city. As you read it, keep in mind that this vision took place at a time when God's people were far from Him--and while they were in exile in other countries. At the end of today's chapters, here are the words that stood out to me:

"From now on the name of the city will be Yahweh-Shammah:
"God-Is-There."

Can you imagine what Ezekiel felt in that moment?

God showed Him a picture of a beautiful, restored city--while the real city was abandoned and in ruins.

Here are a few of the things I thought about when I read today's chapters:

• God had a vision for the city beyond its current state--He saw potential.
  
• Today, there are a lot of Christians who pray for their cities, but how many have asked God to give them a vision for their cities? Even beyond that--how many Christians have taken action to make a positive difference in their communities?
  

Real, lasting change starts with vision--and a vision that leads to action.

Tomorrow: Daniel 1-3

Designated spaces for God

Today: Ezekiel 43-45

"Ahh...my own space!"

Have you ever thought that?

As I'm typing this, I'm sitting in one of my own favorite spaces--a corner of my room with a comfy chair and ottoman, perfect for reading and writing.

I also have that feeling when I drive down my street (particularly in the fall) and see my tree-lined road. I feel calm and at home. Simultaneously, I have a sense of pride like, "This is MY street!" or "How cool! That reading corner is designed just for ME!"

When I read today's passage, I pictured God having the same feeling. I bet that He has a special pride of ownership and comfort in the spaces designed to welcome Him. I believe God is present everywhere, but my hunch is that there are some places where He likes to linger.

Similarly, I think that designated spaces for God are not necessarily churches (or the Temple described in today's passage). Case in point: Designated giving to God's House. Chapter 45 describes God's instructions for His people to contribute offerings out of their harvest. The interesting thing about God's economic system? All of the people were told to sacrifice equally--based on a portion of what they had. The amounts they gave were different, but each person was instructed to give "one-sixtieth part" of their wheat, for example. God is all-powerful and owns everything anyway--but He likes the designated space in "our" wallets and purses.

I'll be extra clear in this post and say that God wants ALL of our hearts and lives. In this post about designated space for God, I'm not saying that we should keep God away from some parts of our lives--He sees and knows it all anyway!

There's a difference between opening your life to God and setting aside certain things for Him. Perhaps it's similar to marriage: There's a difference between a husband saying to his wife, "You know my life is an open book to you--you can call me anytime or ask me anything" versus the husband who says those words and then goes the extra mile to designate special time for his wife--perhaps by planning an amazing date.

With that in mind, I'll close this post with a question: What are some other examples of "space" we can designate for God in our lives?

Tomorrow: Ezekiel 46-48

The holy, the ordinary and a vision

Today: Ezekiel 40-42

Have you ever had a dream that felt crystal clear?

What if that dream was from God?

In today's passage, the prophet Ezekiel was given a very detailed vision...by God. God showed him the ins and outs of a new temple while the old one lied in ruins. As I read it, I noticed the clarity of Ezekiel's vision--measurements and rooms and even plants are described.

The part of the vision that stood out most to me appeared at the end describing the walls of the Temple:

The walls separated the holy from the ordinary.

It's a simple line, but it says a lot. At the time this passage was written, walls separated mankind from God--but the walls weren't just made of stone or bricks. Ordinary men and women were separated from God by walls of sin that they couldn't overcome--no matter how hard they tried. The holy and the ordinary were separated for centuries, even in this vision.

It was only hundreds of years later when the holy met the ordinary...in a Bethlehem stable. And because of the sacrifice of Jesus, today, the holy can meet the ordinary anywhere. You and I can have direct relationships with God--not separated by walls or guilt or any kind of barrier. The holy can meet the ordinary in a cubicle, car, church or cabin in the woods. Wow!

Tomorrow: Ezekiel 43-45

When dry bones breathe

Today: Ezekiel 37-39

Today's passage included an amazing picture of God's heart for His people. Instead of a lot of my commentary, I thought it would be good for us to re-read the illustration...and think about a few questions (I'll add a few of those at the end).

Here we go....

God, the Master, told

the dry bones,

"Watch this:

I'm bringing the breath of life to you

and you'll come to life.

I'll attach sinews to you, put meat on your bones, cover you with skin,

and breathe life into you.

You'll come alive and you'll realize that I am God!"
I prophesied just as I'd been commanded.

As I prophesied, there was a sound and, oh, rustling!

The bones moved and came together, bone to bone.

I kept watching.

Sinews formed, then muscles on the bones, then skin stretched over them.

But they had no breath in them.
He said to me,

"Prophesy to the breath. Prophesy, son of man. Tell the breath,

'God, the Master, says, Come from the four winds.

Come, breath.

Breathe on these slain bodies.

Breathe life!'"
So I prophesied, just as he commanded me.

The breath entered them and they came alive!

They stood up on their feet, a huge army.
Then God said to me,

"Son of man, these bones are the whole house of Israel.

Listen to what they're saying:

'Our bones are dried up,

our hope is gone,

there's nothing left of us.'
"Therefore, prophesy. Tell them, 'God, the Master, says:

I'll dig up your graves and bring you out alive—O my people!

Then I'll take you straight to the land of Israel.

When I dig up graves and bring you out as my people,

you'll realize that I am God.

I'll breathe my life into you and you'll live.

Then I'll lead you straight back to your land

and you'll realize that I am God.

I've said it and I'll do it.

God's Decree.'"

Questions to think about:

• What did the dry bones represent in this passage?
  
• What do you think dry bones represent today?
  
• Why would God want to breathe life into dry bones?
  
• What are things that make people's lives like dry bones?
  
• How does God breathe life...what does that look like?

The Good Shepherd

Today: Ezekiel 34-36

Maybe you're like me: You don't like yard maintenance. You can't keep plants alive. You've never even played Farmville.

If so, the agricultural analogies of the Bible may seem strange to you. But to the people thousands of years ago, agricultural living was the norm.

Today's passage has a farm analogy. It opens with God talking to leaders (who He referred to as "shepherds"). God calls them out for their lousy behavior--exploiting and bullying His people. At the end of His message to the corrupt leaders, God spoke. Here's what He said:

From now on, I myself am the shepherd.

I'm going looking for them.

As shepherds go after their flocks when they get scattered,

I'm going after my sheep.

I'll rescue them

from all the places they've been scattered to

in the storms.

I'll bring them back from foreign peoples, gather them from foreign countries,

and bring them back to their home country.

I'll feed them on the mountains of Israel,

along the streams, among their own people.

I'll lead them into lush pasture

so they can roam the mountain pastures of Israel,

graze at leisure, feed in the rich pastures on the mountains of Israel.

And I myself will be the shepherd of my sheep.

I myself will make sure they get plenty of rest.

I'll go after the lost,

I'll collect the strays,

I'll doctor the injured,

I'll build up the weak ones and

oversee the strong ones so they're not exploited.

These words were God's words to people thousands of years ago, but they reveal God's heart--which applies today. What's amazing is the fact that God said these words about His people when they abandoned Him. At this point in history, Israel was far from God--lost sheep, if you will. Yet in that moment, God expressed how much He wanted to pursue, protect, heal and help His people--and He has that same heart today.

Tomorrow: Ezekiel 37-39

But I'm a good person...

Today: Ezekiel 31-33

Have you ever heard someone say, "But I'm a good person..."?

I have.

Most religions are based on the idea that, "If you're good enough, then you can get into Heaven/have a great life/be healthy and prosperous/yada yada yada." :) But God isn't the God of good enough--and He's not into religion as much as He's into relationships with us.

I thought this passage (surprise: from the Old Testament!) was really interesting. Take a look at God's words to the prophet Ezekiel:

"There's more, son of man. Tell your people,

'A good person's good life won't save him

when he decides to rebel,

and a bad person's bad life won't prevent him

from repenting of his rebellion.

A good person who sins can't expect to live when he chooses to sin.

It's true

that I tell good people,

"Live! Be alive!"

But if they trust in their good deeds

and turn to evil,

that good life won't amount to a hill of beans.

They'll die for their evil life.
"'On the other hand, if I tell a wicked person,

"You'll die for your wicked life,"

and he repents of his sin

and starts living a righteous and just life—

being generous to the down-and-out,

restoring what he had stolen,

cultivating life-nourishing ways that don't hurt others—

he'll live.

He won't die.

None of his sins will be kept on the books.

He's doing what's right, living a good life.

He'll live.
"'Your people say,

"The Master's way isn't fair."

But it's the way they're living that isn't fair.

When good people turn back from living good lives

and plunge into sin,

they'll die for it.

And when a wicked person turns away from his wicked life

and starts living a just and righteous life,

he'll come alive.
"'Still, you keep on saying, "The Master's way isn't fair."

We'll see,

Israel.

I'll decide on each of you exactly according to how you live.'"

There are a few very important things about this passage that we need to talk about:

1. It's from the Old Testament...which means Jesus hadn't entered the scene yet. Sin separated mankind from God and there really wasn't a way for people to have eternal life beyond trying to follow God's law...and sacrificing animals as token payments for their sins (thank goodness we don't have to do this today--Jesus was the ultimate sacrifice).

2. Is it possible for good people to plunge into sin? YES! Is it possible for people to be perfect in every way? NO! The main point of this passage (and one of the key points of the entire Bible)? Goodness doesn't save you or me--God does.

3. God saves "bad" people who ask for His forgiveness. (And guess what? All of us are sinners, unworthy of Heaven and a relationship with God.)

4. God's way of doing things doesn't seem fair to most people. Perhaps it's because that by definition, grace and salvation are not based on fairness. It's not about what we deserve. At all.

5. Salvation in the Old Testament, New Testament and today is based on faith in God--and a commitment to follow Him. We are saved by grace, through faith. Yet at the same time, the Bible also teaches that, "faith without works is dead." Does God expect His people to be perfect? No way!!! But when we really love God, we start to live life God's way--it's putting faith in action.

* For more on this topic, see Romans 3:21-28, James 2:14-25, and Galatians 2:15-21.

Tomorrow: Ezekiel 34-36

When good goes to your head...

Today: Ezekiel 28-30

Have you ever had too much of a good thing? Like too much ice cream...only to get a nasty ice cream headache? Or too much exercise...to the point where you could barely walk the next day? (Okay, so I realize those are polar opposite "good things," but the people reading this could have different perspectives.) :)

In today's passage, God has some conversations with people who let good things go to their heads. Let's review His message here:

You used your head well,

worked good deals,

made a lot of money.

But the money has gone to your head,

swelled your head—

what a big head!...

Or here:

Your beauty went to your head.

You corrupted wisdom

by using it to get worldly fame...

Maybe you read these verses and thought, "Well, I'm not like that person. I don't let money, wisdom or beauty go to my head." Perhaps. But take a look at this part of the passage:

You,
a mere mortal,
not even close to being a god,
A mere mortal
trying to be a god...

Okay, so perhaps now you're thinking, "I know I'm not a god. I'm not THAT cocky!" However, I think sometimes even humble humans try to be god-like when they try to take total control over their lives, when they act as if they don't want or need the real God at all.

It's a common human tendency since the beginning of time (just ask Adam and Eve!), but that doesn't make it right. God gives all of us the gift of free will...which means we are as free to choose stupidity as we are to choose wisdom. The good gift of free will is something that can go to our heads just as much as money, wisdom or beauty can.

Instead, let's choose to be thankful for the gifts God gives us, but recognize the goodness in our lives comes from Him. Let's choose to acknowledge God as God...which means understanding we are not. And to be perfectly honest, there is great freedom--a gift actually--in that recognition itself.

Tomorrow: Ezekiel 31-33

When the mighty fall

Today: Ezekiel 25-27

It is always a shocking thing when something or someone you believed to be strong--fails. And fails miserably.

In today's chapters, God talked about various cities and nations that disregarded Him. At the end of the passage, this description of Tyre stood out to me:

"'As you crisscrossed the seas with your products,

you satisfied many peoples.

Your worldwide trade

made earth's kings rich.

And now you're battered to bits by the waves,

sunk to the bottom

of the sea,

And everything you've bought and sold

has sunk to the bottom with you.

Everyone on shore looks on in terror.

The hair of kings stands on end,

their faces drawn and haggard!

The buyers and sellers of the world

throw up their hands:

This horror can't happen!

Oh, this has happened!'"

It's amazing how often we think things are invincible. Whether it's a celebrity, a church leader, a company, a nation--often we put things and people on pedestals they were never meant to stand on. And then we're surprised when they fall.

In this excerpt, Tyre is described as a rich place. And when it sinks, observers are terrified. They think it's horrifying.

Why? It's not like the observers were part of Tyre's demise--they just observed it. Why would it be horrifying to them?

I think part of the answer is because when the things people consider mighty fall, it completely shakes up their thinking and their quicksand-like foundations. The truth? Things and people are not invincible--people make mistakes, things disappear, people die, and things lose value.

That might sound morbid and depressing, but I'm mainly trying to say that you can't put your faith, hope and identity in people or things.

On the other hand, God is invincible, all-powerful, loving and continually faithful. He is mighty. And He never falls. Never.

Tomorrow: Ezekiel 28-30

Sin-eating disease

Today: Ezekiel 23-24



Tonight I visited my Dad in the hospital. He has an infection on his leg--which he scraped while snorkeling amidst the coral reefs of Hawaii. This being the 21st century and all, I went online to research the different kinds of bacteria that could be causing his infection...and I started squirming in my seat. I won't go into graphic detail, but I will say that infections are just plain nasty. (And luckily, Dad is on several antibiotics and his infection has responded well to them.)


Today's passage was pretty graphic as well. God painted a gruesome picture of the perils of sin. At the end of today's chapters, the prophet Ezekiel became a painful lesson to God's people--when his wife died and God instructed Ezekiel not to mourn or carry out traditional funeral rituals. Take a look at Ezekiel's words here:

So I told them, "God's Word came to me, saying,

'Tell the family of Israel, This is what God, the Master, says:

I will desecrate

my Sanctuary,

your proud impregnable fort,

the delight of your life,

your heart's desire.

The children you left behind will be killed.
"'Then you'll do exactly as I've done.

You'll perform none of the usual funeral rituals.

You'll get dressed as usual and go about your work.

No tears.

But your sins will eat away at you from within

and you'll groan among yourselves.

Ezekiel will be your example.

The way he did it is the way you'll do it.
"'When this happens you'll recognize that I am God, the Master.'"

The wording of this passage was interesting to me, especially when you think of sin as an infection that eats away at you from within.



You see, my Dad went to his doctor because his leg started to get red and achy and painful. Too painful. I wish (and Dad probably wishes this, too!) that he would have gone to the doctor days ago, but luckily, Dad caught his infection relatively early. If left untreated, infection can seep into your blood stream--it can damage vital organs or even kill you.



Sin is like that, too. I pray that you and I will notice sin as soon as it's like a tiny scrape on our skin--that immediately, we'll ask God for His forgiveness and turn away from it. I hope and pray that we don't become calloused to disobedience. I pray that we do not have to experience the pain of a major sin infection that hurts us, others and most importantly, God Himself.



However, it's important to remember that God is the Healer of our bodies and our hearts. Thankfully, no one has to face eternal death in Hell because of sin-eating disease--God is able to forgive and give us the gift of eternal life in Heaven. We just have to ask.


Tomorrow: Ezekiel 25-27

Standing in the gap

Today: Ezekiel 21-22

I'm rediscovering that Ezekiel is a tragic book in the Bible. In much of today's passage, God talked to (and through) Ezekiel about the wickedness of His people. They deserted Him and his ways for all kinds of sin. At the end of this passage, I found this excerpt of God's Word to Ezekiel particularly sad:

"I looked for someone

to stand up for me against all this,

to repair the defenses of the city,

to take a stand for me

and stand in the gap

to protect this land

so I wouldn't have to destroy it.

I couldn't find anyone.

Not one..."

Isn't that heartbreaking? God felt totally deserted by the people He loved. He wanted just one to love Him back--and to take a stand for Him and stand in the gap to protect their land--but no one did.

I wonder how often that happens today? I wonder how many times God looks at the earth and sees people committing atrocities, looking for one person who will take a stand with Him against evil or injustice.

I hope that these verses are never echoed again. I pray that people like you and me will rise up and stand in the gap for people who desperately need God and His love. I hope that we won't ever get tired of praying for them. And I pray that we won't ever tire of standing for God--even if we have to do it alone.

Tomorrow: Ezekiel 23-24

Family, faith and forgiveness

Today: Ezekiel 18-20

There are a lot of things we inherit from our families--eye color, the shape of our noses, height and even habits. One thing that's not inherited from our parents? Salvation.

In today's passage, it was interesting to read the clear instruction that God doesn't judge me based on the goodness (or mess-ups) of my parents. And God won't judge my children based on my mistakes or successes. Each one of us is accountable for how we live our lives before God.

I like how God expressed His heart here--His heart is to forgive those who ask Him. Take a look:

"But a wicked person

who turns his back on that life of sin

and keeps all my statutes, living a just and righteous life,

he'll live, really live.

He won't die.

I won't keep a list of all the things he did wrong.

He will live.

Do you think I take any pleasure

in the death of wicked men and women?

Isn't it my pleasure that they turn around,

no longer living wrong but living right—

really living?

As much as I like this excerpt, it's important to note that it's pretty impossible for any human being to keep all of God's statutes (e.g. obey Him at all times). No one is perfect. But here's the Good News--Jesus, God in flesh, was perfect--and through His sacrifice, you and I can be forgiven (see Romans 3:21-27). This means that when God sees those who have accepted Christ's gift of salvation, He doesn't see our sin--He sees the perfect, righteous record of Jesus instead.

Even beyond that? Through faith in Jesus, God actually adopts us as part of His family (review Ephesians 1:4-6). Can you believe that? Like really believe it? No matter what your family tree looks like and even with all of your past mistakes--you can now be one of God's kids. Through faith, you're not only forgiven--you've found a family.

Promiscuous people

Today: Ezekiel 16-17

I realize that the title of this post may seem strange, but it coincides with the story of God's people in today's passage.

God gives Ezekiel an amazing story illustrating how His people treated Him. God was like the good guy who rescued a battered and abandoned woman--and then cleaned her up, married her, loved her and showered her with the best kind of life--only to find that she left it all to become a whore (God's word choice, not mine). One of the worst parts? This woman killed her own children by sacrificing them to idols. Whoa!

But hold on--God's people weren't literally prostituting themselves out to others. They were whoring their hearts and their worship. They abandoned the God who rescued them time and time again--for idols. They chased after empty pleasures and faux religion when real love was right in front of their noses. Sound familiar?

The story in today's passage was directed toward Israel thousands of years ago--but it is a poignant picture of mankind, even today.

I don't know about you, but when it comes to God (or anything, really!), I don't want to be a whore. I don't want to treat true love like trash. I don't want to chase phantom religion that adds up to nothing. I want to remember my rescue--and the One who gave me life, love and a reason to be.

Tomorrow: Ezekiel 18-20

Keeping up appearances

Today: Ezekiel 13-15

This may sound bizarre, but when I'm sick and tired--but not sick and tired enough to miss work--I like to dress up. I'll make sure that my hair looks good, I'll dress well and I'll put on make-up. I do these things when I'm sick and tired because...they make me look better than I actually feel. And perhaps in some twisted way, if I look better, I start to feel better.

If I instead uncharacteristically wore glasses out in public or ditched make up, I would hear comments from people like, "Are you okay?" and "Is something wrong?" And rather than subject myself to those questions or tell other people, "Yes--I'm sick/tired today," I'd rather just keep up status quo appearances.

Perhaps that's okay when it comes to actual appearances...but what about "keeping up appearances" spiritually?

In today's passage, God had some interesting things to say about prophets (think pastors, teachers or leaders today) who gave messages to God's people, in God's name...that weren't from God. At all. These prophets told the people what they wanted to hear--they whitewashed the walls God meant to tear down. Take a look at what God said here:

"The fact is that they've lied to my people.

They've said, 'No problem; everything's just fine,'

when things are not at all fine.

When people build a wall, they're right behind them

slapping on whitewash.

Tell those who are slapping on the whitewash,

'When a torrent of rain comes

and the hailstones crash down

and the hurricane sweeps in and the wall collapses,

what's the good of the whitewash

that you slapped on so liberally,

making it look so good?'

Wow. How many times do we as human beings try to make things look good--instead of obeying what God says or facing a reality that may not be the pretty picture we want to see?

God called this prophets liars and pointed to the futility of their efforts. Ultimately, God is truth and all-powerful--He sees through any whitewashing efforts we make. He knows the difference between good and evil and can discern when we're just trying to make something look good.

The context of this passage is really about the authenticity of leaders' words to God's people. However, I think there are broader applications that apply to anyone reading this post. Here are a few related questions I'm thinking about...and perhaps you may want to consider as well:

• Can you think of a time when you tried to "whitewash" God's Word in your life? In someone else's life? How did sugarcoating God's message make you feel? How did it impact others?
  
• What does being an authentic messenger of God's Word look like in the real world? What are the pros? The cons?
  
• What are some things God's people do to "keep up appearances?" How do you know whether or not someone is just keeping up an appearance--or really doing the right things with the right motives?

Tomorrow: Ezekiel 16-17

Stone to strong-soft hearts

Today: Ezekiel 9-12

Have you ever been driving and had a moment when you ask yourself, "How did I get here?"

I realize that may sound a little scary, but most people drive certain routes--to work, school or home--on autopilot. We are so familiar with these trips that we drive them in a semi-conscious awareness. When you think about it, that's pretty scary.

The autopilot approach impacts how many of us drive--but how else does it affect our lives? And more importantly, how we view--or even act--in sin?

In today's passage, God gives Ezekiel some prophetic visions of hard times for His people, but He also gives glimmers of hope--how He planned to help them change and overcome sin:

True, I sent you to the far country and scattered you through other lands.

All the same, I've provided you a temporary sanctuary

in the countries where you've gone.

I will gather you back

from those countries and lands

where you've been scattered

and give you back the land of Israel.

You'll come back and clean house,

throw out all the rotten images and obscene idols.

I'll give you a new heart.

I'll put a new spirit in you.

I'll cut out your stone heart

and replace it with a red-blooded, firm-muscled heart.

Then you'll obey my statutes

and be careful to obey my commands.

You'll be my people!

I'll be your God!

I love the way God gives so many word pictures to Ezekiel and to us. When we live in sin and are far from God, it's like we have stone hearts--or like we're driving on autopilot, unaware of the people, dangers and harm that we're causing to ourselves or others. Sometimes when we live in sin, we think we're being strong and independent--but we're not. A heart of stone isn't strong--it's a dead, lifeless heart.

When we allow our hearts and our lives to be transformed by God, He promises to give us "red-blooded, firm-muscled hearts." What does that really mean?

I think what God's describing is a strong-soft heart. That may sound like a contradiction, but hear me out. Muscle tissue is softer than stone--the heart in your body lives, beats and feels. Yet at the same time, God describes the heart He gives as "firm-muscled." I like that. It seems like He's saying that having a heart sensitive to sin is not a sign of weakness, it's a sign of strength. God gives people strong-soft hearts so that they passionately feel when they sin, love and live. People with strong-soft hearts are not boring, lifeless or wishy-washy nice: They're fiery, dynamic and contagious, yet they are not manic roller coasters of emotion.

Here's a question to think about: What does a strong-soft heart look like in real life?

I think part of the answer is living with a conscious conscience. It means living life with awareness and feeling--recognizing sin in your life and absolutely loving God and people deeply. That means that you'll be hurt, but it also means that you'll feel the love, joy and peace of God and people in your life--and that instead of missing or ignoring those amazing blessings, you'll treasure them with gratitude.

Today I pray that God will give you and I those strong-soft hearts--that we'll see people, sin and situations through His eyes. That we'll hurt when His heart hurts and love what He loves.

Tomorrow: Ezekiel 13-15

Tripping up on money

Today: Ezekiel 5-8

There are a lot of TV shows that celebrate people who are rich, famous, or just want to be--everything from "Cribs" to "The Real Housewives of...(well, a bunch of different cities now!)" to entertainment news shows that talk about celebrities buying new homes, cars and the latest designer fashions.

Despite their shiny exteriors and wealth, it's interesting to see that many people who chase after fame and fortune are...well...pretty miserable. In today's passage, God is prophesying to Ezekiel about His people (before their eventual captivity). These verses about money and sin were interesting to me:

'They throw their money into the gutters.

Their hard-earned cash stinks like garbage.

They find that it won't buy a thing

they either want or need on Judgment Day.

They tripped on money

and fell into sin...

Interesting, right? In their love of money, God's people fell into sin. They chased after things instead of pursuing God and His purpose for their lives. And ultimately, He prophesied, they realized that the things that matter most in life aren't really things at all.

Is it wrong to have money? Of course not--we all need it not only to survive, but to help others by supporting churches and non-profit organizations. It's not wrong to have wealth, but it's wrong to allow wealth to have you--to run after wealth, trip up on it, and to fall into sin.

Tomorrow: Ezekiel 9-12

Your job is to speak

Today: Ezekiel 1-4

I'll admit: The book of Ezekiel opens up in kind of a...weird...way. There's a prophet who has a science fiction-like vision from God. God speaks to him and tells him to do some things that are kind of odd (laying on one side for 390 days? And the other for 40? Eating food cooked on a fire fueled by human--or cow--dung?). Yet in the middle of things that seem strange to read, there are glimpses of God's familiar hand at work.

When God called Ezekiel, He used some words that I think He'd say to any Christ followers today. Take a look at these two excerpts where God is talking to Ezekiel about the people:

They're a bunch of rebels.

Your job is to speak to them.

Whether they listen is not your concern.

They're hardened rebels...

...They won't listen to you because they won't listen to me.

They are, as I said, a hard case, hardened in their sin.

But I'll make you as hard in your way as they are in theirs.

I'll make your face as hard as rock, harder than granite.

Don't let them intimidate you.

Don't be afraid of them,

even though they're a bunch of rebels."

I think it's interesting that God called Ezekiel to do some things that were a bit strange and to do something that He calls all of us to do--to tell other people about Him.

One thing God didn't call Ezekiel--or us--to do? Save people. We are called to talk with people about God and share His love with them, but they choose whether or not to listen and accept Him. God is the Savior! He's gracious enough not only to give people salvation, but to give them free will. God didn't create robots, but human beings. He wants us to love Him, but He doesn't force us into submission. Love is always a choice.

Tomorrow: Ezekiel 5-8

Reordering your life

Today: Lamentations 3:37-5

I've reordered a lot of things--my closet, some sentences and living room furniture. But reordering an entire life? That's pretty radical. And perhaps that's exactly why God wants us to do it.

As we discussed yesterday, Lamentations is actually a sad book of the Bible. God's people are in exile, largely because they disobeyed and deserted Him. However, this part of today's passage stood out to me:

Doesn't the High God speak everything,

good things and hard things alike, into being?

And why would anyone gifted with life

complain when punished for sin?

Let's take a good look at the way we're living

and reorder our lives under God.

Let's lift our hearts and hands at one and the same time,

praying to God in heaven...

Isn't that good?!? Often we complain about things in our lives that are the consequences of our own actions--instead of being grateful and enjoying the gift of life God has given to us.

I also like the verse that talks about reordering our lives under God. One theme that's clear to me in Scripture is that order matters to God--He wants to be first in our lives, not just our words, our songs or our prayers: He wants to be first in EVERYTHING.

I wish that more of us realized the importance of order before we got to a low point of facing harsh consequences. However, the good news is that even in the worst moments of desperation, God is more than willing to help us. All we have to do is accept His grace and submit to His authority, asking for His help to reorder our lives.

Tomorrow: Ezekiel 1-4

Get a grip...on hope

Today: Lamentations 1-3:36

Today we're starting the book of Lamentations--a relatively short book that was written at a time when God's people hit bad times. They were taken off into captivity--just as God had prophesied. They rebelled against Him and the captivity was one of the consequences. In this passage, at least one of the writers called it correctly: "God has right on his side. I'm the one who did wrong..."

In the midst of lamenting the sadness of captivity, the God-inspired writer recognizes some amazing truths. Love this:

I remember it all—oh, how well I remember—

the feeling of hitting the bottom.

But there's one other thing I remember, and remembering,

I keep a grip on hope:
God's loyal love couldn't have run out,

his merciful love couldn't have dried up.

They're created new every morning.

How great your faithfulness!

I'm sticking with God (I say it over and over).

He's all I've got left.
God proves to be good to the man who passionately waits,

to the woman who diligently seeks.

It's a good thing to quietly hope,

quietly hope for help from God.

It's a good thing when you're young

to stick it out through the hard times.
When life is heavy and hard to take,

go off by yourself.

Enter the silence.

Bow in prayer.

Don't ask questions:

Wait

for hope to appear.

Don't run from trouble.

Take it full-face.

The "worst" is never the worst.
Why?

Because the Master won't

ever

walk out and fail to return.

If he works severely, he also works tenderly.

His stockpiles of loyal love are immense.

Tomorrow: Lamentations 3:37-5

The real thing

Today: Jeremiah 51-52

Tonight I drove home into a painting...well, a God-designed painting of sunlight and mountains and oceans and clouds. It was one of those absolutely stunning days when God's creation was shining in its glory.

It's crazy to me that people think all the Earth's beauty popped up out of an explosion of gases. Today was one of those days when the creative force of our Creator was so obvious to me. Perhaps that's why this section of today's passage stood out:

By his power he made earth.

His wisdom gave shape to the world.

He crafted the cosmos.

He thunders and rain pours down.

He sends the clouds soaring.

He embellishes the storm with lightnings,

launches the wind from his warehouse.

Stick-god worshipers look mighty foolish!

god-makers embarrassed by their handmade gods!

Their gods are frauds, dead sticks—

deadwood gods, tasteless jokes.

They're nothing but stale smoke.

When the smoke clears, they're gone.

But the Portion-of-Jacob is the real thing;

he put the whole universe together...

I love that God is called "the real thing" (long before Coca-Cola!). He's not a created being, shaped by the hands or minds of man. He's the Creator--our master designer.

I also think it's interesting that this excerpt was included in today's passage--a section of the book of Jeremiah that describes the fulfillment of prophesy: the exile of God's people to Babylon. I love that through it all, God's creative design for humanity was at work. He was always there, always dreaming of the day His people would come home.

Tomorrow: Lamentations 1-3:36

There's no place like home

Today: Jeremiah 49-50

"There's no place like home. There's no place like home. There's no place like home."

I've heard Judy Garland say these words a bazillion times in "The Wizard of Oz." At one point, it was my youngest sister's favorite movie. It was the point in her childhood when she wanted to read, watch and listen to her favorite books, movies and music over and over and over again. We used to immerse ourselves in the world of "The Wizard of Oz"--pretending to ride bikes along with the evil Miss Gulch and sing along with the Lollipop Guild. And we desperately wanted to float in a cotton-candy colored sparkly bubble like Glinda.

When you're a kid watching "The Wizard of Oz" for the first time or the 100th time, you don't fully grasp the significance of, "There's no place like home." When you're older, your definitions of "home" may change. Is home just a place? People you love? A feeling? A combination of all of those things?

In today's passage, God talked about home for His people. At this point in Scripture, His people rejected Him. As a consequence for their sin, they were taken into captivity--they were literally taken from home. However, in this excerpt, God prophesies the turnaround of Israel and Judah. I think His depiction of home describes more than land. Take a look:

In those days, at that time"—God's Decree—

"the people of Israel will come, And the people of Judah with them.

Walking and weeping, they'll seek me, their God.

They'll ask directions to Zion and set their faces toward Zion.

They'll come and hold tight to God,

bound in a covenant eternal they'll never forget.
"My people were lost sheep.

Their shepherds led them astray.

They abandoned them in the mountains where they wandered

aimless

through the hills.

They lost track of home,

couldn't remember where they came from.

Everyone who met them took advantage of them.

Their enemies had no qualms:'Fair game,' they said. 'They walked out on God.

They abandoned the True Pasture, the hope of their parents.'

Wow. God's people were in bad shape. They didn't just lose land, cows and houses--they lost who they were. They lost purpose and a sense of their spiritual legacy. They didn't just need Google maps to find home--they needed God's direction and hope.

I love that later in this passage, God foresees something good:

But Israel I'll bring home

to good pastures.

He'll graze on the hills of Carmel and Bashan,

On the slopes of Ephraim and Gilead.

He will eat to his heart's content.

In those days and at that time"—God's Decree—

"they'll look high and low for a sign of Israel's guilt—nothing;

Search nook and cranny for a trace of Judah's sin—nothing.

These people that I've saved will start out with a clean slate.

Isn't that amazing? God didn't just envision His peoples' return to their cities--He saw a restoration of their hearts. And if home is where the heart is, finding a clean heart and the love of God's heart? There's no place like home.

Tomorrow: Jeremiah 51-52

Look up!

Today: Jeremiah 46-48

Yesterday's post and much of the content of today's passage may have felt a little bit...depressing. But I assure you that there are definitely some bright spots.

In much of today's reading, God was dishing out prophesies of destruction on the nations that chased idols and sin instead of Him. Much of the passage felt like a message of, "Look out!" But this excerpt addressed to His people was different:

But you, dear Jacob my servant,

you have nothing to fear.

Israel, there's no need to worry.

Look up!

I'll save you from that far country,

I'll get your children out of the land of exile.

Things are going to be normal again for Jacob,

safe and secure, smooth sailing.

Yes, dear Jacob my servant,

you have nothing to fear.

Depend on it, I'm on your side.

I'll finish off all the godless nations among which I've scattered you,

But I won't finish you off.

I have more work left to do on you.

I'll punish you, but fairly.

No, I'm not finished with you yet."

I love that God's instruction to His people is not to, "Look out!" or live in fear--it's to, "Look up!" and trust Him no matter what.

In The Message version, this excerpt talks about "smooth sailing" for God's people, but I don't think it's the smooth sailing we humans would typically envision. God mentions work that He has left to do on His people and He also mentions punishment (a word that would be absent from most of our definitions of "smooth sailing"). I think the smooth sailing He's referring to is the fact that He's always there--ultimately guiding the ships of His people (to carry out the analogy a bit). God's people don't need to live in fear because He's always with us. If you feel afraid, discouraged or disappointed, I encourage you to follow His advice--"Look up!"

Tomorrow: Jeremiah 49-50

What we want, what God says

Today: Jeremiah 42-45

"Sometimes what we want isn't what we get.
Sometimes what we get ain't really what we want..."

A few months ago I was singing along with the lyrics to this song in my car (Dave Barnes' "What We Want, What We Get"). Little did I know that I was on the verge of getting some news...some really disappointing news...the same week. Something that I REALLY wanted, REALLY prayed for and REALLY thought was going to happen--didn't. To be honest, it made made me sad-mad-disappointed-scared all at once. I was back to square one.

I cried. My parents brought me dinner (LOVE them!). And I prayed again, "Why, God? Why? I'm one of your kids--and I really wanted XYZ to happen. Did I do something wrong?"

And God was silent.

Honestly, I felt hurt--like the God I trusted let me down.

In those moments, well-intentioned people say things like, "Things happen for a reason" or "God must have something else that's just right for you." I believe those sentiments, but I don't exactly want to hear them in the middle of my sad-mad-disappointed-scared stage.

God was telling me to be patient and to trust Him--to keep aiming for what I want, but to not bulldoze through on my own and make a quick decision without His blessing. I'm still trying to work on that lesson. :)

In today's passage, I thought it was interesting that God's people faced a similar challenge. God gave them some instruction via the prophet Jeremiah. But it wasn't the message they wanted to hear. Instead of listening, they did the exact opposite--and God wasn't happy.

It's important for us to remember that what we want and what God wants aren't always the same things--and what God says and what we want to hear aren't always identical, either. Does God love us still? Absolutely. But here's one thing that makes me feel better in my sad-mad-disappointed-scared stage: God knows and sees a lot more than I do. Perhaps things don't always work out the way I want them to because 1) I'm not God and 2) God has extra information and wisdom--His delay or denial of my requests could be for my protection or growth. And perhaps the idea that "there's something else that's just right" will actually become reality at some point. In the meantime, I'm trying to trust what God already said.

Tomorrow: Jeremiah 46-48