Beauty, love and Buckley

Today: Psalm 21-25

The 23rd Psalm is near and dear to my heart. My mom (a former schoolteacher, now principal) taught it to my sisters and I when we were toddlers. Apparently, she taught us the NIV version at about the same time we learned to memorize our address. Family legend has it that one of us (Me? Or my sister Hannah?) got a little bit mixed up and said on at least one occasion, "The Lord is my shepherd, I shall not be in want. He makes me lie down in Buckley, Washington..." :)

I think it's interesting that this passage was probably the first chapter of the Bible I ever memorized. It says a lot about God and about living your life with Him--things my Mom probably wanted me to know (virtually) all my life. Thank you, Mom, for teaching me this:

God, my shepherd!

I don't need a thing.

You have bedded me down in lush meadows,

you find me quiet pools to drink from.

True to your word,

you let me catch my breath

and send me in the right direction.

Even when the way goes through Death Valley, I'm not afraid

when you walk at my side.

Your trusty shepherd's crook makes me feel secure.

You serve me a six-course dinner right in front of my enemies.

You revive my drooping head;

my cup brims with blessing.

Your beauty and love chase after me every day of my life.

I'm back home in the house of God

for the rest of my life.

Isn't that good?!?

I think David's depiction of the shepherd's crook is interesting--he wrote it "makes me feel secure." As a shepherd, David knew that the crook was used to provide not only guidance, but protection and correction to a herd--akin to how God's commandments and His Word can guide and protect our lives.

I also adore the idea of God's love chasing after us. Sometimes, people write verses and songs about running and chasing after God. I get what they're trying to say, but ultimately, God first loved us so much that He died for us. That's even more extreme than a chase!

Lastly, David's love for the House of God is definitely noteworthy--he wanted to find a home in it forever. How many people love church that much? David knew that God loved His House. God was there. So David loved God's House. Period.

Tomorrow: Psalm 26-31

God's direction

Today: Psalm 17-20

Sometimes people talk about God's direction in a very mystical way...like God's guidance is almost impossible to grasp. But is that really accurate?

In today's passage, David had some interesting things to say to the contrary:

The revelation of God is whole
and pulls our lives together.
The signposts of God are clear
and point out the right road.
The life-maps of God are right,
showing the way to joy.
The directions of God are plain
and easy on the eyes.
God's reputation is twenty-four-carat gold,
with a lifetime guarantee.
The decisions of God are accurate
down to the nth degree.

I love David's confidence in God's direction here. In my own life, I haven't really experienced God giving GPS-style, step-by-step direction. But I do think His Word is clear--and when I've needed wisdom or direction in my life, He's always provided it. Love that!

Tomorrow: Psalm 21-25

My first and only

Today: Psalm 9-16

Can I just say how much I love reading the Psalms?

David wrote many of them and he's one of my favorite Bible characters (a man after God's own heart, musical, a writer...love!). I will say that as we read the Psalms, they may seem kind of dramatic. In one chapter, a writer is shouting about God's grace and goodness from the mountaintops and in the next chapter, they're down in the lowest valleys and wondering where God is. But I actually love the fact that David and the other writers were very expressive in both their good and bad moments. It's very real.

From today's passage, this part was my favorite. I think it beautifully expresses awe-filled love for God and the wonder of His love for us:

My choice is you, God, first and only.

And now I find I'm your choice!

You set me up with a house and yard.

And then you made me your heir!

The wise counsel God gives when I'm awake

is confirmed by my sleeping heart.

Day and night I'll stick with God;

I've got a good thing going and I'm not letting go.

I'm happy from the inside out,

and from the outside in, I'm firmly formed.

You canceled my ticket to hell—

that's not my destination!

Now you've got my feet on the life path,

all radiant from the shining of your face.

Ever since you took my hand,

I'm on the right way.

Tomorrow: Psalm 17-20

God's more-than-enough

Today: Psalm 1-8

Every day, you and I are bombarded by advertisements--on TV, at the movies, in the newspaper, online and even on our cell phones. Billions and billions of dollars are poured into advertising each year, as organizations try to convince us that we need, want and must have the latest and greatest products.

Millions of Americans (and people all over the world, actually) have given in. They buy and buy. They overspend to the point of overextending themselves. In 2009, the average credit card debt per American household with a credit card was $16,007.* Wow!

Many people try to fill their homes with stuff--but stuff can never bring us happiness, love or peace. In today's chapters, I love what David wrote here:

I have God's more-than-enough,

More joy in one ordinary day

Than they get in all their shopping sprees.

At day's end I'm ready for sound sleep,

For you, God, have put my life back together.

*Woolsey, Ben and Matt Schulz. "Credit card statistics, industry facts, debt statistics." March 26, 2010. (Accessed: April 27, 2010) www.creditcards.com

Tomorrow: Psalm 9-16

Rumors versus reality

Today: Job 40-42

If you've ever watched a reality show, attended junior high or even (gasp!) a church, you know that rumors can be dangerous...and often, inaccurate. Rumors and reality are often vastly different. There's a big difference between knowing about someone and actually knowing them. And when it comes to God, the difference between knowing about Him and actually knowing Him? Life-changing.

Job was a stand-up guy. He loved God. But in these chapters, he actually got to know God and hear His voice in a real, fresh way. Here's how Job responded:

"I'm convinced:

You can do anything and everything.

Nothing and no one can upset your plans.

You asked, 'Who is this muddying the water,

ignorantly confusing the issue, second-guessing my purposes?'

I admit it.

I was the one.

I babbled on about things far beyond me,

made small talk about wonders way over my head.

You told me, 'Listen, and let me do the talking.

Let me ask the questions. You give the answers.'

I admit I once lived by rumors of you;

now I have it all firsthand—

from my own eyes and ears!

I'm sorry—

forgive me.

I'll never do that again, I promise!

I'll never again live on crusts of hearsay,

crumbs of rumor."

When we really know God (instead of just knowing about Him), it changes us. For Job, this moment marked a new start. He lived in awe of God's power and all-knowing nature. He surrendered himself to it. And when he did, God brought healing and restoration. Job moved from a place of total desolation on to a place of blessing. God poured multiple blessings on his life.

Tomorrow: Psalm 1-8

Where were you...?

Today: Job 38-39

Has God ever seemed silent to you?

Job would have answered that question with a resounding, "YES!" But in today's passage, God made Himself really clear to Job. He's always pretty good showing up right on time...and providing some perspective. :)

Here's what God said to Job...and what He'd probably say to most of us at moments, too:

...Where were you when I created the earth?

Tell me, since you know so much!

Who decided on its size?

Certainly you'll know that!

Who came up with the blueprints and measurements?

How was its foundation poured,

and who set the cornerstone,

While the morning stars sang in chorus

and all the angels shouted praise?

And who took charge of the ocean

when it gushed forth like a baby from the womb?

That was me!

I wrapped it in soft clouds,

and tucked it in safely at night...

Tomorrow: Job 40-42

"Easy street" faith

Today: Job 35-37

"When you leave here today, you're going to have the same eye color. You'll be wearing the same clothes. You're not going to be perfect. You're not going to stop facing challenges. But you're making a fresh start...and God's going to be with you."

Every weekend my pastor says something like this at the end of each church service. He says it to people who have just decided to believe in God and ask Him to lead their lives. I'm really glad he does--because there are a lot of people who have what I'm calling today "easy street faith." In today's passage, Job's long-winded friend Elihu (yes, the same guy we heard from yesterday) seems to hold that philosophy. Here's what he said to Job about people who follow God:

If they obey and serve him,

they'll have a good, long life on easy street.

Hmm...interesting theory. Too bad it's wrong. I'd love to say that since I've believed in God and served Him, that I've had a perfect life. Don't get me wrong--my life is better because God's in it, but it's far from perfect.

If we look at Jesus Himself (perfect God in flesh), it's clear that loving God and following what He says doesn't lead to easy street. It lead Jesus to Calvary, a cross and a painful death (though not to cut the story short, it also lead Him to resurrection and eternity in Heaven!).

For all of us that are simply human, we make mistakes that have consequences. Even when we don't necessarily mess up, the people around us might--and that could have a major impact on us. On top of that, we're human beings--we eventually die (and so do people we love). We feel pain and sickness and heartache.

I know that last paragraph could sound like a major downer--it's not meant to! I'm trying to actually take pressure off anyone who feels that because they love God, their lives should be picture-perfect...and they're not.

I'm also trying to encourage anyone who's mad at God because of their not-so-easy street lives. God's not to blame for that. And here's the really cool thing--in the midst of whatever you and I face (good and bad), God's there. He wants to listen and help. Mostly, He will always love.

Tomorrow: Job 38-39

Inspired by the Spirit? Or self?

Today: Job 32-34

"God told me..."

Have you ever heard those words...used in a totally bizarre or inappropriate way?

Here's some examples I've heard (or that have been said to people in my circle): "God told me you that you were going to wear purple today", "God told me you were going to be my future wife" (said a 50-year old guy to a 20-something girl) or "God told me you are going to be a country singer" (said to a woman who loathed country music).

Sometimes people use the "God told me..." phrase in completely weird (and kind of creepy!) ways. And like a guy in today's passage, sometimes people use it as a way to justify their own (sometimes self-righteous) ideas. Let's review:

...it's God's Spirit in a person,

the breath of the Almighty One,

that makes wise human insight possible.

The experts have no corner on wisdom;

getting old doesn't guarantee good sense.

So I've decided to speak up.

Listen well!

I'm going to tell you exactly what I think...

During his lecture throughout today's chapters, Job's "friend" Elihu speaks some nuggets of truth. In these short verses, I think he's spot-on in giving God credit for making human insight possible. Where Elihu fell short? Inserting his own opinion (including a bunch of inaccurate, judgmental assessments of Job) into a bunch of spiritual-sounding lingo.

I think (and I know!) that sometimes, "God told me..." statements can be very accurate. But before any of us use those words, it's important to be careful--to ask ourselves, "What's my motive for saying 'God told me XYZ...' to this person?" and first and foremost, "Does what I'm saying 'God told me...' align with what God's already said in the Bible?"

Tomorrow: Job 35-37

Tonka trucks, Rainbow Brite and the "good old days"

Today: Job 29-31

Today on my way to work, I saw a man driving a Tonka truck. Actually, it was a truck with a Tonka sticker on it. I thought, "Aww...that's cool. He's livin' his childhood dream!" It made me reminisce about my childhood and the simple times of playing with Barbies, My Little Pony and Rainbow Brite (yeah, I'm an 80s kid).

I had a brief moment in the car when I thought, "Wouldn't it be amazing to be in the middle of those good times again--times when I didn't even know the meaning of stress?!?"

In today's passage, Job was dealing with far worse than me...but similarly, he longed for "the good old days." Let's take a look:

"Oh, how I long for the good old days,

when God took such very good care of me.

He always held a lamp before me

and I walked through the dark by its light.

Oh, how I miss those golden years

when God's friendship graced my home,

When the Mighty One was still by my side

and my children were all around me,

When everything was going my way,

and nothing seemed too difficult..."

I completely hear what Job's saying (I've thought it, too!). There's a great feeling of confidence, strength and love that comes when you feel like God's taking care of you and everything is coming up roses.

However, I think most of us miss the beauty of life's challenges in the very moments when we experience them. Isn't love brighter in the middle of your darkness? And isn't God's provision (even if it's just your breath itself!) more meaningful in the midst of difficulty? Doesn't His true, loyal friendship stand out when you're lonely?

Maybe "the good old days" are the times you're living now--even in the middle of what feels like a storm. Maybe you're growing and learning. Perhaps your challenge is an adventure that's pushing you toward your purpose.

I honestly don't know. But I do know that God sees, God knows and God loves you--and maybe that's more than enough.

Tomorrow: Job 32-34

Where does wisdom come from?

Today: Job 24-28

Rather than my thoughts on today's passage, I thought it would be good to focus on the amazing truths in this excerpt:

God alone knows the way to Wisdom,

he knows the exact place to find it.

He knows where everything is on earth,

he sees everything under heaven.

After he commanded the winds to blow

and measured out the waters,

Arranged for the rain

and set off explosions of thunder and lightning,

He focused on Wisdom,

made sure it was all set and tested and ready.

Then he addressed the human race:

'Here it is!

Fear-of-the-Lord—that's Wisdom,

and Insight means shunning evil.'"

Tomorrow: Job 29-31

Why do good things happen to bad people?

Today: Job 21-23

A few days ago, we tackled the question, "Why do bad things happen to good people?" In today's passage, Job raises the question on the flip side: Why do good things happen to bad people?

If you have ever been annoyed at the success of "bad" people, you may have asked yourself (or even God?) this question. It's hard for most of us to understand why messed-up people can appear to have such picture-perfect lives. It's contradictory to modern, New Age self-help logic (like much of the stuff from The Secret). And in some ways, the idea that good things happen to bad people seems contradictory to other portions of the Bible (e.g. "A man reaps what he sows..."). Right?

Not necessarily. Eventually, we face consequences for our actions--those consequences might happen here on Earth or they might happen in heaven. That's God's call.

Let's review what Job said:

"But who are we to tell God how to run his affairs?

He's dealing with matters that are way over our heads.

Some people die in the prime of life,

with everything going for them—

fat and sassy.

Others die bitter and bereft,

never getting a taste of happiness.

They're laid out side by side in the cemetery,

where the worms can't tell one from the other.

Basically, Job is saying that God's not a genie who follows our commands. Some things in life we just don't understand. I can't understand why good things happen to bad people (or vice versa)...but it's probably because I don't fully understand God's grace and God's justice. However, I am forever thankful that God far surpasses my limited expectations. Aren't you?

Tomorrow: Job 24-28

Had a bad day

Today: Job 17-20

I'll be really honest: I had a bad day.

(Cue the Daniel Powter song made famous by American Idol.) :)

Seriously, I had some big hopes dashed--and though I am trying to be strong, it is a major letdown. It is one of those days when I am very thankful for friends and family. My parents came over tonight and brought the perfect comfort food dinner (KFC grilled chicken, mashed potatoes and a biscuit...mmm!) and their cheery puppy, Lucy.

Later I was talking to my sister (ever the comedian) and said, "To top it off, I'm in the middle of reading Job this week, which is kind of depressing."

Her response?

"Well...at least you don't have boils."

True. :) Sometimes a little perspective helps, right?

In today's passage, Job is going through hell on earth. His family didn't bring him KFC (or any dinner, actually)--they abandoned him. His "friends" pointed fingers of blame and shame at him. But through it all, Job remained confident in God's rulership. Here's some key excerpts from the passage:

Still, I know that God lives—

the One who gives me back my life—

and eventually he'll take his stand on earth.

And I'll see him—even though I get skinned alive!—

see God myself, with my very own eyes.

Oh, how I long for that day!

Sometimes like Job, I wish I could hit a "fast forward" button in life and know that everything's going to work out. But in the meantime, I will just have to keep hoping...and say a "Thank you, God, I don't have boils!" prayer, too. :)

Tomorrow: Job 21-23

The Great Defender

Today: Job 14-16



Throughout Job's personal crises, his "friends" accused him of sin he didn't commit. Job was innocent. He tried to clear his name, but his own protests didn't do it. I love how Job appealed to heaven--for Someone to serve as a great defender to clear his name before God. Take a look:

There must be Someone in heaven

who knows the truth about me,

in highest heaven,

some Attorney who can clear my name—

My Champion, my Friend,

while I'm weeping my eyes out before God.

I appeal to the One who represents mortals before God

as a neighbor stands up for a neighbor.

I think it's interesting that this verse appears in the Old Testament because to me, this sounds like an appeal to Jesus. Jesus is the One who makes it possible for us to even have a relationship with God. He is, in a way, our Great Defender. (This concept makes me picture Big Mike from "The Blind Side"--love it!).

But even if Job didn't grasp the concept of Jesus yet, I love how he had such faith in God's justice. He trusted that the truth would prevail.

Another thing I love? His personal interaction with God. In today's passage alone, he gets really mad at God (once he refers to Him as, "God--my enemy!"). I'm sure he yelled and cried and pleaded. But at the same time, Job also refers believes that somewhere in heaven, there's a Champion and a Friend standing on his side.

Tomorrow: Job 17-20

Hope in hard times

Today: Job 11-13

Hope is a necessity for life. But having hope in hard times? Not easy.

We've already talked about the hard things that Job faced--losing his possessions, his children and his health. To top it off, most of Job's friends abandoned him or pointed judgmental fingers at him--saying things equivalent to, "Well--you must have done something wrong for all this tragedy to come into your life!"

In the midst of this criticism, Job's faith remained strong. He continued to have hope that God would work things out for his good. Here's what he said about God:

Because even if he killed me, I'd keep on hoping.

I'd defend my innocence to the very end.

Just wait, this is going to work out for the best—my salvation!

Hope is confidence when life doesn't make sense. It's an unshakable trust. Hope is courage to have faith in the face of tragedy. It propels you to get back up and believe God's still there, still loving and still in control. Hold on to hope with all of your heart.

Tomorrow: Job 14-16

Beauty, the brain and brokenness

Today: Job 8-10

Isn't it amazing how real the Bible is sometimes?

We've already read about the tough things Job faced in his life. And in this passage, there are sections that seem downright depressing. Job says things like, "I wish I had never been born!" and "I can't stand my life--I hate it!" He definitely dealt with deep human emotions like grief and a sense of abandonment. However, there's some beauty in the midst of Job's brokenness. I love what he said here about God:

You gave me life itself, and incredible love.

You watched and guarded every breath I took.

But you never told me about this part.

I should have known that there was more to it...

Confession: I've felt exactly that way at moments even though I haven't come close to experiencing Job's tragedies. As humans, we can't fully comprehend the whys of the universe (but we try!). Our minds don't understand how a good God could allow tragic things to happen to good people.

The fact that we just don't get the mysteries of the universe may be a good thing. I, for one, can't fully get the concept that beauty can come from brokenness--much less the idea that the brokenness itself can be beautiful. I can't fully explain things like love, grace or miracles. The fact that I don't know everything is good--because it brings a sense of awe, surprise and wonder to my life. Job recognized that, too, when he said this about God:

We'll never comprehend all the great things he does;

his miracle-surprises can't be counted.

Somehow, though he moves right in front of me,

I don't see him;

quietly but surely

he's active,

and I miss it.

Tomorrow: Job 11-13

Friends, strength and hard times

Today: Job 5-7

One year ago today was one of the weirdest, most awful days I can remember. April 15, 2009 has branded its mark on my life and the lives of about 900 other people. It changed us.

I think Job went through a time far worse than what I faced. As we saw in yesterday's passage, all of his children died, he lost his income and he broke out in very painful sores from head to toe. And to top it off, most of Job's friends were completely unhelpful. Take a look at what Job said here:

...you, my so-called friends, are no better—

there's nothing to you!

One look at a hard scene and you shrink in fear.

It's not as though I asked you for anything—

I didn't ask you for one red cent—

Nor did I beg you to go out on a limb for me.

So why all this dodging and shuffling?...

Are people mere things to you?

Are friends just items of profit and loss?

Ouch.

It would be easy for me to rant about the evil of these kinds of friends--the fair weather friends who are absent or even critical during hard times. But how many times have I not made a phone call, set up time for coffee or visited someone else in trouble...simply because it wasn't convenient for me?

Hard times are uncomfortable. And rather than face that discomfort with a friend, many people just avoid tough situations (and the people in them) altogether. Sometimes your friends don't even need you to say or buy anything--they just need you to be there.

Though I am far from a perfect friend, I am continually amazed and thankful for the incredible friends in my life. Tonight some of these incredible friends met to celebrate the end of a life-altering year--and the fact that we're still friends who not only survived, but grew stronger. Through our hard times, we laughed, called, prayed and encouraged one another. That's what friends do.

Tomorrow: Job 8-10

Why do bad things happen to good people?

Today: Job 1-4

A year ago, I heard about an incredible woman who was on medical leave. While on medical leave, she was laid off from her job. The day after she was laid off, she found out that she had cancer (on top of her other medical issue). This woman is kind, she loves God and she's a dedicated worker. She did nothing to deserve the hard things she faced.

Why do bad things happen to good people? Why do bad things happen to God's people?

Many people reason, "If God is good, He wouldn't allow horrible things to happen to good people" or "Maybe people who experience tragedy did something to warrant the bad things happening in their lives."

These are tough questions and tough criticisms. Job's amazing story can help us address some (note that I'm not saying all) of them. Job was an incredible God-honoring man who lived his life with integrity. However, God allowed Satan to test Job's faith. In one day, all of Job's children died and Job lost all of his livestock (his income). After that, Job was cursed with a health crisis--he had horribly itchy, painful sores and ulcers from head to toe (ewww...).

Let's take a look at an interesting conversation between Job and his wife:

His wife said,

"Still holding on to your precious integrity, are you?

Curse God and be done with it!"
He told her,

"You're talking like an empty-headed fool.

We take the good days from God—

why not also the bad days?"
Not once through all this did Job sin.

He said nothing against God.

Wow. Job's example shows that we can't always control what happens to us, but we can determine how we respond. Despite the pressure and his personal feelings, Job choose to trust in God's sovereignty. He didn't understand--he just trusted.

Tomorrow: Job 5-7

Intervention

Today: Esther 6-10

There's a TV show called "Intervention" that I've never seen, but heard about. Supposedly, it's a show where people plea for a loved one battling some kind of addiction to get help.

You and I may not be battling life-threatening addictions, but I believe God uses people to intervene in our lives...and sometimes, He's the one intervening.

In the book of Esther, most people remember the heroic intervention of a beauty queen who had the courage to use her voice and her position "for such a time as this" (see yesterday's post). But did you notice how God intervened directly?

To be honest, I've read this story many times before and didn't recognize God's direct intervention. Let's take another look together here:

That night the king couldn't sleep.

He ordered the record book,

the day-by-day journal of events, to be brought and read to him.

They came across the story there

about the time that Mordecai

had exposed the plot of Bigthana and Teresh—

the two royal eunuchs who guarded the entrance

and who had conspired to assassinate King Xerxes.
The king asked,

"What great honor was given to Mordecai for this?"

Hmm...I've always known that God speaks to people through their dreams (ala Joseph), but do you think God uses the moments when we can't fall asleep?

For some reason, at that exact moment, the king chose to read a record book (of all things!). It was a book that told a story about the heroic efforts of Mordecai, a leader of God's people--the same people the evil Haman was trying to eradicate. Coincidence?

I love how this story illustrates God's intervening power to save--whether He intervenes through our sleepless nights or through other people.

A few questions to think about:

• Have you ever had a sleepless moment--a time when a specific situation or person came to your mind in an out-of-the-blue way? What did you do?
  
• Have you ever had an Esther moment--a moment when you were called upon to be courageous and use your voice/position to help others?
  
• What do you think you should do in these situations? Are there examples from this passage and other parts of the Bible that give some clues?

Tomorrow: Job 1-4

For such a time as this

Today: Esther 1-5

Can I just say that God has impeccable timing?

It's definitely a theme found in today's passage, but the fact that I'm reading this passage today and at this point in my life is crazy amazing. I really love the book of Esther and today's passage always serves as an incredible reminder to me of God's all-knowing power at work in our everyday lives. Let's review this section where Mordecai tries to connect with Esther after the proclamation that the Jews will be executed:

Mordecai sent her this message:

"Don't think that just because you live in the king's house

you're the one Jew

who will get out of this alive.

If you persist in staying silent

at a time like this,

help and deliverance will arrive for the Jews

from someplace else;

but you and your family will be wiped out.

Who knows?

Maybe you were made queen

for just such a time as this."

Esther sent back her answer to Mordecai:

"Go and get all the Jews living in Susa together.

Fast for me.

Don't eat or drink for three days, either day or night.

I and my maids will fast with you.

If you will do this, I'll go to the king,

even though it's forbidden.

If I die, I die."

Wow! I love Mordecai's tell-it-like-it-is boldness and Esther's courage. This passage reminds me that I may not always know why I end up some places, but God always has a purpose in mind. His purpose will be fulfilled one way or another, but (like Esther) I'd rather be part of it than miss out and live with regrets.

Tomorrow: Esther 6-10

When God's House became a ghosttown

Today: Nehemiah 12-13

Here's a very sad story from today's passage: God's House became a ghost town (again). Take a look at Nehemiah's words here:

And then I learned

that the Levites hadn't been given their regular food allotments.

So the Levites and singers who led the services of worship

had all left and gone back to their farms.

I called the officials on the carpet,

"Why has The Temple of God been abandoned?"

Why was the House of God abandoned?

God's people neglected to give...so the Levites (the equivalent of pastors/teachers/church leaders) couldn't dedicate their lives to full-time service. Instead, they had to abandon the work God had called them to so that they could survive.

The good part of this story is that God's House didn't remain a ghost town. Nehemiah came back, called the people out on their neglect and set things right. God's House was never designed to be a ghost town. It was always intended to be a place of giving--a place where people give in worship to God and a place where simultaneously, God gives us glimpses of His presence.

Tomorrow: Esther 1-5

The tithe and the turnaround

Today: Nehemiah 10-11

This passage is fairly short (and this entry will be as well). However, one of the things that I noticed is the amazing turnaround of God's people. They went from completely neglecting the God, the Temple and their entire country--to giving the first and the best 10% of their wealth to God's House. Wow!

From what I've seen and experienced, the tithe and the turnaround are often tied together. People's lives are transformed by God's love and power and their natural response is to obey Him and bless His House through tithes and offerings. On the flipside, the very act of tithing is transformational--it's an admission that, "Everything I have comes from God. I choose to obey and honor Him through gratitude and giving." Giving repositions our hearts in submitted obedience to God's authority. Giving also positions us to follow in God's footsteps--we learn to become loving when we surrender "our" stuff and our selfishness to be generous instead.

Tomorrow: Nehemiah 12-13

The timeline of your life

Today: Nehemiah 8-9

In the morning, I'll be attending a memorial service for my favorite high school English teacher, Mrs. Anita Aylard. A memorial service, particularly for someone like Mrs. Aylard, can be an amazing time to reflect on the power of one life to impact many.

I first met Mrs. Aylard when I was a high school junior. She only taught me in a classroom setting for two years--but ultimately influenced my entire career path to-date. She made a mark on me when I was in high school, but she touched my life again while I was still in college. Our occasional e-mail exchanges and brief reunions always inspired me. Last year, we reconnected via Facebook. Her example of strength, faith and care for others--in the midst of battling cancer--encouraged and impacted me again.

People like Mrs. Aylard shape the timelines of our lives. Of course, God makes His mark on us through time as well. When I read today's passage, the summary of God's relationship with His people through generations was incredible! The timeline described in this passage reveals God's deep love and faithfulness, despite the failings of the Israelites. God's continual commitment to His people and involvement in their day-to-day lives was (and is!) awe-inspiring.

Here are a few questions I'm thinking about today...and maybe you want to consider as well:

• Where have you seen God's undeniable mark on the timeline of your life?
  
• How has God impacted your life through past generations?
  
  (Important note: Even if your family history isn't perfect, it's how you got where you are. God created you and your family members with a purpose--even the simple fact that you're alive today is a miracle.)
  
• Who has God used to impact the timeline of your life in a positive way? Have you had an opportunity to express appreciation?
  
  (If not, DO IT! Write a card, send an e-mail, treat the person to coffee/dinner...the possibilities are endless!)
  
• What are you doing today that's impacting the timeline of someone else's life? How can God use you to encourage others?

Tomorrow: Nehemiah 10-11

Personal work, personal investment

Today: Nehemiah 7

Okay, so today's passage may not have been the most exciting. But one thing I found interesting? The offerings God's people personally made toward their work.

Some people might have reasoned, "Isn't what I'm doing enough? I'm offering my time for this work already!" But God's people not only helped with the work physically, but contributed gifts of financial value--they demonstrated they were behind the work not just through their actions, but through their investment.

Tomorrow: Nehemiah 8-9

Does God care about your work?

Today: Nehemiah 4-6

Does God care about your work?

If I asked different people, I'd get different answers to that question. I think today's passage illustrates that God does care about our work and more importantly, our attitudes about our work. Take a look at this part of the passage:

We kept at it,

repairing and rebuilding the wall.

The whole wall was soon joined together

and halfway to its intended height

because the people had a heart for the work.

I love that the people came together to build a wall (not exactly spirtitual). Their work was better because their hearts got behind it...but something else was behind it, too. Let's review this section:

The wall was finished on the twenty-fifth day of Elul.

It had taken fifty-two days.

When all our enemies heard the news

and all the surrounding nations saw it,

our enemies totally lost their nerve.

They knew that God was behind this work.

Not only does this passage show that God cares about our attitudes toward our work--it shows that He cares about the work itself. God can get behind our work (or not).

What's your attitude toward your work? Do you think God is behind what you do every day?

Tomorrow: Nehemiah 7

So what do you want?

Today: Nehemiah 1-3

If you were standing in front of a king who said, "So what do you want?", what would you say?

Nehemiah had an answer ready. He knew exactly what he wanted, he thought through timelines and anticipated what was needed to accomplish his vision (which was ultimately, God's vision).

It was interesting to look at today's passage because I think many people wish someone (a banker? a boss? God?) would ask them, "So what do you want?" However, most people (myself included at times!) haven't really thought through the answers. They might want a quick escape, but the hard work of actually thinking, working and seeing something through? Not so much.

God's definitely not a genie, but here's the thing: He actually wants to know what you and I want (see Matthew 7:7). Ideally, what we want would align with what He wants (see Jesus' example in Luke 22:42). However, often we haven't thought about what God wants, what we want and the different ways those ideals could actually become reality. (Was that a major tongue twister or what?)

I like Nehemiah. He was gutsy planner (often those two attributes don't come together!). I think it will be interesting to read his story again. He's already inspiring me to think and pray more about what God wants, what I want and how they might come together and actually happen.

Tomorrow: Nehemiah 4-6

God (still) with us

Today: Ezra 8-10

"Where is God now?"

It's a common question people ask when they go through hard times. In today's passage, I thought the perspectives of God's people were interesting here:

We were slaves;

yet even as slaves,

our God didn't abandon us.

This view of God--that He is present with us even through suffering--is not an easy view to have. But that doesn't mean it's not true.

In the New Testament, Jesus is known as Immanuel--God with us. If God is with us, it means He's always with us, that He's still with us when we are in trouble. It's pretty amazing that God's people could sense His presence, help and guidance while they were literally enslaved. Wow. God's still with His people no matter what.

Tomorrow: Nehemiah 1-3

God-backed security

Today: Ezra 4-7

Probably because of the Great Recession, I've noticed lately that there are lots of ads for banks and financial institutions that talk about security. These companies continually talk about how your finances can be "backed by the FDIC", "insured", "guaranteed" and "safe."

It's all right to have security backed by a bank or the U.S. government--but the best kind of security is God-backed security. I love that when God REALLY gets behind something or someone, it's clear. Sometimes when I have big stuff in front of me, I'll pray simply, "God, make it obvious." And so far, He has.

In today's passage, God's backing was crystal clear: He wanted His people to rebuild His House. Not only did He get them out of captivity to do so, their captors provided HUGE financial resources to make the work possible. Take a look at Ezra's words here:

Blessed be God, the God-of-Our-Fathers,

who put it in the mind of the king

to beautify The Temple of God in Jerusalem!

Not only that, he caused

the king and all his advisors and influential officials

actually to like me and back me.

My God was on my side and I was ready to go.

And I organized all the leaders of Israel to go with me.

You can tell by Ezra's words here that he was a little dumbfounded at God's orchestration of events. God-backed security is like that sometimes--it's so over-the-top amazing that it seems "too good to be true"--but it is!

If you're reading this, I'd love to encourage you with a few things:

• Ask God for wisdom, so that you can make decisions aligned with His backing.
  
• The "God, make it obvious" prayer is a good one, but it's not for the faint of heart--you have to be willing to let doors slam shut in your face occasionally. On the flip side, you also have to be willing to look for the open doors, sometimes in unexpected places.
  
• Ask God for His backing. He wants to help us, but sometimes we just forget to ask.
  

Tomorrow: Ezra 8-10

Rebuilding

Today: Ezra 1-3

When I hear the word "rubble," I think of The Flinstones. :)

But if I were one of God's people at the time today's passage was written, Barney and Wilma wouldn't come to mind. I'd picture the Temple of God and my beloved country--ravaged, forsaken and left in rubble.

One thing I know for sure about God? He doesn't like to leave things or people in shambles. In today's chapters, the people of Judah were actually sent back to rebuild their homes and God's House.

It's an interesting passage to read on Easter weekend. To be honest, there are a lot of people on this planet whose lives resemble piles of rubble. Some people feel like Humpty Dumpty--they believe that their lives are so broken that they can't be put back together again. Others don't see their brokenness, but that doesn't mean they're whole--piles of rubble might be all around them.

The good news is that God is a great rebuilder (He'd probably be REALLY good at puzzles, too!). He is able to take lives resembling piles of rubble and turn them into inside-out beautiful works of art. God heals the broken and He brings the dead to life.

What can He build in you? What can he resurrect in someone you care about?

I am forever grateful that God continually builds, shapes and molds me. I'm still a work in progress--but I'm thankful to be taken from the rubble and rebuilt. Happy Easter!

Tomorrow: Ezra 4-7

Passover Lamb

Today: 2 Chronicles 35-36

"It's Friday. It's good. Thank God."

This is my current Facebook status update...which has multiple meanings. For one thing, I pretty much love every Friday. And every day (yeah, even a Monday!) is a day to thank God. But today is also Good Friday--a very significant day on the calendar that marks a very significant day in history.

In some ways, it's odd that today is called Good Friday because if you know the story, it seems...well, sad. An innocent God-man died a brutal, unjust death for people who didn't deserve it--people like me.

It's interesting that today's passage includes a description of a Passover celebration (despite the fact that our reading program was "randomly" selected based on an Internet site!). To the people of Israel, Passover was a celebration--it's a holiday that marks the miraculous fact that God saved His people from death and destruction.

In today's passage, thousands of lambs were sacrificed to pay the price for peoples' sins. What makes today Good Friday? You and I don't have to kill thousands of lambs to pay for our sins...because one perfect Lamb of God already paid the ultimate price. It's Good Friday because Jesus loved me and you that much. It's Good Friday because we got the best and biggest gift of all time. It's Good Friday because unlike the people in today's passage, you and I don't have to go through ceremonies and priests to talk to God--we can have direct communication with Him. It's Good Friday because we serve a God who knows what it's like to face pain and suffering as a human being. What other god or religion believes in a God who actually understands, empathizes and relates to our human experience?

It's Good Friday. Thank God. We've got A LOT to be thankful for.

Tomorrow: Ezra 1-3

The "worst kind" of sin...and the best forgiveness

Today: 2 Chronicles 32-34

If you were to picture the "worst kind" of evil...or the most evil person...what would you picture?
A guy who purposely burned his own sons to death in a fire might fit the bill. Today's chapters describe such a man, King Manasseh of Judah. Manasseh was corrupt--he lead the people of Judah to worship idols, he practiced witchcraft and he set up a carving of a sex goddess in the middle of God's Temple.

Manasseh was a pretty messed up guy. And then one day, he made a turn-around. Manasseh was captured and taken off to Babylon. Here's what happened:

Now that he was in trouble,

he went to his knees in prayer asking for help—

total repentance before the God of his ancestors.

As he prayed, God was touched;

God listened and brought him back to Jerusalem as king.

That convinced Manasseh that God was in control.

Wow. Is God's forgiveness amazing or what?!?

Here's an interesting thing about sin: In God's opinion, there's no such thing as the "worst kind." Sin is sin. And all of us sin (see Romans 3:22-24). Some sins have bigger real-world consequences (e.g. you'll probably go to jail for a murder, but not for a lie), but any sin can separate us from God...in the worst case scenario, forever.

But as we approach Easter weekend, this passage reminded me of the amazing power of God's love, grace and compassion. When we ask for forgiveness, He gives it. When we believe that Jesus paid the price for our (past, present and future) sins, God sees us just as if we never sinned. That's the best kind of forgiveness possible.

Tomorrow: 2 Chronicles 35-36