Friends and family

Today: Proverbs 16-18

Perhaps one of the most tragic things I've seen in life is the break-ups of great friends and great families. And on the flip side, one the BEST things I've ever experienced is friends who are like family and family members who are actually friends.

I think the writer of today's passage may have had a similar experience. Take another look at a few verses from today's chapters:

Overlook an offense and bond a friendship;

fasten on to a slight and—good-bye, friend!

The start of a quarrel is like a leak in a dam,

so stop it before it bursts.

Friends love through all kinds of weather,

and families stick together in all kinds of trouble.

Words kill, words give life;

they're either poison or fruit—you choose.

Friends come and friends go,

but a true friend sticks by you like family.

What causes friendships to break? What pulls families apart? In many cases, it starts with words--words that are hurtful or positive words that are left unsaid. Sometimes those words lead to offenses...and in the most tragic cases, unforgiveness, bitterness and brokenness.

On the flip side, encouraging words, a Facebook post or a handwritten card from a great friend or family member can strengthen bonds. Love, loyalty and forgiveness are the bonds that hold friends and families together. Good relationships take effort--they will cost you time, energy and sometimes, doing and saying what you want.

One thing I've learned so far? You can't keep score. If you do, love never wins (and neither will you). Fight for who and what you love most--forgive.

Tomorrow: Proverbs 19-21

Be happy

Today: Proverbs 13-15

Today's passage was filled with zillions more two-liners (see yesterday's discussion). I could have easily written many pages about each one. Instead, I'm choosing something simple:

A miserable heart means a miserable life;

a cheerful heart fills the day with song.

This nugget of truth is small. It seems like...well, common sense. How many of us have heard the song "Don't Worry, Be Happy"? Or watched a Disney movie with an extra chipper character?

But by the same token, how many of us have met Christians--God's people--who looked like they just sucked gallons of lemon juice? Have you ever met a Christian who reminded you of Debbie Downer? I have.

There are people who would argue, "The world has some serious problems! It's not realistic for Christians to be Little Miss/Mr. Sunshine." I agree that there are serious problems in our world. But of anyone on this planet, I think Christians should be the most happy and hope-filled. I'm not saying that we shouldn't recognize problems--on the contrary, I believe we should see problems, but view them from a standpoint of God's reality. God obviously knows about all the good and bad things that are happening on this planet--but He can always do something great in and/or through any situation. That's something to cheer about.

Two-liners...

Today: Proverbs 10-12

Most of us have heard of one-liners--those snappy comments that are funny or insightful (and sometimes both!). Today's passage had a lot of interesting two-liners, mostly about wisdom and foolishness. Here are a few that stood out most to me:

The more talk, the less truth;

the wise measure their words.

When the storm is over, there's nothing left of the wicked;

good people, firm on their rock foundation, aren't even fazed.

The stuck-up fall flat on their faces,

but down-to-earth people stand firm.

When you're kind to others, you help yourself;

when you're cruel to others, you hurt yourself.

Like a gold ring in a pig's snout
is a beautiful face on an empty head.

A life devoted to things is a dead life, a stump;

a God-shaped life is a flourishing tree.

Fools are headstrong and do what they like;

wise people take advice.

Worry weighs us down;

a cheerful word picks us up.

Tomorrow: Proverbs 13-15

Wisdom and real life

Today: Proverbs 7-9

What makes life--well, come to life? What makes it real and amazing and enjoyable?

This excerpt (where the voice of Wisdom is speaking) gives a few answers that may be pretty unexpected to many people:

Mark a life of discipline and live wisely;

don't squander your precious life.

Blessed the man, blessed the woman, who listens to me,

awake and ready for me each morning,

alert and responsive as I start my day's work.

When you find me, you find life, real life,

to say nothing of God's good pleasure.

But if you wrong me, you damage your very soul;

when you reject me, you're flirting with death."

Interesting, right? Discipline and wisdom help us savor the beautiful moments in our lives. Wisdom gives life to our lives...and helps us to put a smile on God's face (so to speak). Keep going after wisdom.

Tomorrow: Proverbs 10-12

John Mayer, love and wisdom

Today: Proverbs 4-6

"Who do you love?
Me?
Or the thought of me?
Me or the thought of me?"*

These lyrics from a John Mayer song popped into my head as I read today's passage. I realize that may sound a little strange, but I'll explain. I think these lyrics convey the fact that there can be a big difference between what people want to love, say they love, think they love...and what they actually love.

Take wisdom, for example. If I asked people on the street, "Do you think wisdom is important?" or "Do you think wisdom is worth pursuing?", I bet that 99% of them would say, "Yeah--absolutely!" But I wonder...do they actually love wisdom? Do you? Do I?

Take a look at this section from today's passage:

"Take this to heart.
Do what I tell you—live!
Sell everything and buy Wisdom!
Forage for Understanding!
Don't forget one word!
Don't deviate an inch!
Never walk away from Wisdom—
she guards your life;
love her—
she keeps her eye on you.
Above all and before all, do this: Get Wisdom!
Write this at the top of your list: Get Understanding!
Throw your arms around her—
believe me, you won't regret it;
never let her go—
she'll make your life glorious.
She'll garland your life with grace,
she'll festoon your days with beauty."

Why wouldn't anyone like Wisdom, right?

However, I wonder if to many people, Wisdom feels like the It Guy/Girl--"the One" that we're supposed to love and destined to be with...who feels a bit unattainable. We're like the intimidated guy afraid to approach the most amazing girl at the school/church/office because...we don't know what to say or do. Will Wisdom love us back? Is Wisdom too hard to get? Are we not worthy of Understanding?

On another extreme, I think there are some people who feel like Wisdom is the one who's "perfect on paper"...but too complex. They see Wisdom as one who "expects too much," who will hold them accountable and tell them the truth...and they're not ready for it. Something else distracts them--something that still looks sort of pretty because it's just Comfortable or Good Enough. They don't pursue Wisdom and always wonder, "What if...?" They live their lives in regret asking, "What would my life have been like with Wisdom in it?", "Would I have been happier?" and "How could have Wisdom changed me?"

Here's the thing: I don't think you and I want to be in those boats. I don't want to be the one who is just plain intimidated or lazy. I want to be the girl living in love with Wisdom--the girl who is changed by Wisdom (for the better!) even though it might not always be easy or comfortable. Loving Wisdom does take some effort--but when you love something or someone, you're not afraid to go after it and hold on no matter what. Real love requires 100% of your heart.

*Lyrics from "I Don't Trust Myself (with Loving You" by John Mayer.

Tomorrow: Proverbs 7-9

The graduation speech

Today: Proverbs 1-3

Do you know what people are most afraid of?

It's not dying, a terrorist attack or even spiders.

It's public speaking.

One of the weird things about me? I actually like it.

Almost 11 years ago I was preparing to speak at my high school graduation ceremony (it was on June 4--I do remember that!). I had 10-15 minutes to address my classmates and a room filled with about 1,000 of their parents, friends and relatives. I don't remember exactly what I said, but I'm sure I prayed a lot beforehand...and tried to sound smart, funny, inspiring, deep and challenging. It was a lofty goal for an 18-year old speaker with 10 minutes on the clock.

What do you say when your life is about to change forever?

What do you say when you don't want to say "goodbye"?

What do you say when you just want to cry...and laugh...together?

I wish that I said something like this:

Don't lose your grip on Love and Loyalty.

Tie them around your neck;

carve their initials on your heart.

Earn a reputation for living well

in God's eyes and the eyes of the people.

Trust God from the bottom of your heart;

don't try to figure out everything on your own.

Listen for God's voice in everything you do,

everywhere you go;

he's the one who will keep you on track.

Don't assume that you know it all.

Run to God!

Run from evil!

Your body will glow with health,

your very bones will vibrate with life!

Honor God with everything you own;

give him the first and the best.

Your barns will burst,

your wine vats will brim over.

But don't, dear friend, resent God's discipline;

don't sulk under his loving correction.

It's the child he loves that God corrects;

a father's delight is behind all this.

That's a pretty good speech, right? I thought about ending it early...with the "Your barns will burst and your wine vats will brim over" line. But I think the last paragraph is important--perhaps the MOST important. It's a reminder that God may sometimes correct us because He loves us. More importantly, He delights in us:

• When we hold tight to Love and Loyalty...and when we see the folly of our indifference and betrayal,
  
• When we trust Him and when we see that we're not completely in charge,
  
• When we listen to Him and when we learn from our mistakes,
  
• When we honor Him and when we learn to depend on His provision, and
  
• When we love Him through it all...because He's always there loving us SO MUCH more.

Things I don't understand

Today: Psalm 146-150

There are a few things in life that I just don't understand. Things like...the mullet. Crocs with socks. Girls who don't like chocolate. Bob Dylan's music. Calculus. Drivers who forget to turn off their blinkers. People in Seattle who hate coffee.

Okay...there are a lot of things in life I don't understand. :)

When it comes to God, there are DEFINITELY some things I still don't get. I still don't understand the "little" things about God--like why did He create mosquitoes? :) On the serious side, I definitely don't understand bigger things about God, either. How does He keep track of all of us human beings, animals, plants, planets...and mosquitoes...simultaneously?

I think the writer of this psalm wrestled with some of the same questions:

He heals the heartbroken
and bandages their wounds.
He counts the stars
and assigns each a name.
Our Lord is great, with limitless strength;
we'll never comprehend what he knows and does.

This small paragraph illustrates the undefinable nature of God: He's personal enough to touch and heal real people in need, but big and powerful enough to name the stars and keep track of them all. Wow.

The best responses we can have?

Trust God always.
Know what we don't know.
Believe Him (which is also important in the moments when we think we know the answers).
Be thankful...that no matter what, He sees, knows, and absolutely LOVES us...even when we don't necessarily understand why.

Tomorrow: Proverbs 1-3

Bad news, good news and God news

Today: Psalm 140-145

Recently on Facebook, I received a notification that said something like, "Your friend So-and-So recommends 'Good News Network.'" I didn't know what in the world Good News Network was, so I first checked it out. I discovered that the Good News Network is a Web site and page on Facebook that highlights positive stories--like the top 100 businesses prospering in the inner city or the fact that Will Ferrell is busy helping cancer patients (who knew?).

From what I've seen so far, I think the Good News Network is great. I will say that it's sad to me that the mainstream news doesn't have a bit more good news thrown in. Unfortunately, most people are bombarded by bad news--about the economy, crime, yada yada yada. Yes, it's important to understand what's going on in our world--but at the same time, isn't there good news going on? And more importantly, isn't there God news going on?

I absolutely loved chapter 145 (seriously, read the whole thing or read it again) because it's all about celebrating God news. Check it out:

God is magnificent; he can never be praised enough.

There are no boundaries to his greatness.

Generation after generation stands in awe of your work;

each one tells stories of your mighty acts.

Your beauty and splendor have everyone talking;

I compose songs on your wonders.

Your marvelous doings are headline news;

I could write a book full of the details of your greatness.

The fame of your goodness spreads across the country;

your righteousness is on everyone's lips.

The chapter then goes on to illustrate why God news is worth celebrating. Here are a few of my favorites:

God always does what he says,

and is gracious in everything he does.

God gives a hand to those down on their luck,

gives a fresh start to those ready to quit...

Everything God does is right—

the trademark on all his works is love.

Wow! There's enough God News in those few sentences to drown out all the bad news you may watch on CNN, Bloomberg or NBC today. Remember God news and good news--and start spreading it around to brighten up the world around you.

Tomorrow: Psalm 146-150

Designed by God

Today: Psalm 133-139

I like watching and reading about creative people--particularly designers, artists and builders. It's fascinating to watch shows where a creative person takes nothing and makes it into something pretty spectacular--whether it's a canvas, some fabric or a run-down piece of property.

After watching an hour or 30 minutes of a TV show featuring such creativity, I often have a moment when I'm just amazed at what's been created in front of my eyes. This morning I was watching a show where a guy designed a chandelier for a basketball fundraiser...out of hula hoops. Amazing!

And if we can admire a well-designed room, dress, or building--why is it that many people struggle to admire their well-designed selves? Or the God-built wonders in other people?

I love this portion of today's passage where David expresses his wonder at God's human creation:

Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out;

you formed me in my mother's womb.

I thank you, High God—you're breathtaking!

Body and soul, I am marvelously made!

worship in adoration—what a creation!

You know me inside and out,

you know every bone in my body;

You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit,

how I was sculpted from nothing into something.

Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth;

all the stages of my life were spread out before you,

The days of my life all prepared

before I'd even lived one day.

Your thoughts—how rare, how beautiful!

God, I'll never comprehend them!

I couldn't even begin to count them—

any more than I could count the sand of the sea.

Oh, let me rise in the morning and live always with you!

It's really sad to think that we often believe and say belittling things like, "I'm ugly" or "I'm stupid" or "I don't measure up" about ourselves or our fellow human beings. The next time you think or hear such comments, take a moment and realize, "Hey! That's a God design I'm talking about!" God is a creative genius--and the creative genius who made you just the way you are.

Tomorrow: Psalm 140-145

Work and the worthwhile

Today: Psalm 120-132

This past week, I watched portions of an interview that Oprah conducted with Bret Michaels, the former "Poison" rocker who recently had a brain hemorrhage. Michaels discussed moments when his life flashed before his eyes--when he thought about his daughters and being at their weddings.

Oprah said something like, "You know--people always say that in those moments you don't think, 'I wish I would have worked more' or 'I wish I had more money.' You think about the people you love--it puts your life instantly into perspective."

I think Oprah and Bret were spot-on in their assessment of perspective. But I think for many people, near-death experiences don't just bring their love for their families to the forefront (as amazing and admirable as that love is). The bigger question many people at death's door wrestle with is this: Did my life matter?

That question and the Oprah/Bret Michaels interview came to mind when I read this portion of today's passage:

If God doesn't build the house,

the builders only build shacks.

If God doesn't guard the city,

the night watchman might as well nap.

It's useless to rise early and go to bed late,

and work your worried fingers to the bone.

Don't you know he enjoys

giving rest to those he loves?

I don't believe this passage is devaluing the importance of work, but emphasizing the importance of God's involvement in our work. There's a big difference. There are good things we try to do on our own that we ask for God's help with. And there are other things we do that are contrary to God's work (that we shouldn't be doing and should ask His forgiveness for). Those are the things that are meaningless.

But if you invite God to be involved in your good work (whether it's as a 9-to-5 employee, a parent, a volunteer at a church or non-profit organization, etc.), asking Him for help and guidance (and actually taking it!), then your work can be worthwhile.

This excerpt also addresses worry and stress--did you notice that? It talks about working your "worried fingers" to the bone. When we worry, we're not trusting in the strength and provision of God. And when we're stressed, God is there to give us rest, but we have to accept it, let go of the stress and trust Him (yeah, I just used that word "trust" again).

The main point? When God's in something, it's worthwhile. Your life, your career, your family, your friendships--they can all matter in eternity if you ask God to lead and help you along the way. And the bonus? Trusting in God can allow you to be free from worry and stress--because He brings strength, provision and perspective to your life.

Tomorrow: Psalm 133-139

Iron, magnets and God's truth

Today: Psalm 119: 89-176

Today I was talking with a co-worker about a CAT scan I have scheduled for next week (nothing too serious, but something my doctor wants to get checked out). My co-worker asked, "Do you have any metal in your body?"

"Yeah--the plate and screws in my arm that broke a few years ago."

"You should call the doctor back and let them know--it might impact the scan."

Thankfully, I learned that the metal in my arm won't impact my CAT scan, but it could definitely be a factor with an MRI test. My sister, who works at a hospital, told me that the magnet(s) used in MRI tests are so powerful that hospital staff members are strongly encouraged to ABSOLUTELY, NEVER EVER EVER take any metal in a room containing and MRI machine. My sister has seen footage of metal hospital equipment (such as a crash cart) that was completely destroyed when it shot across the room toward the MRI magnet.

This may seem like an odd way to open my post today, but I thought about these examples when I read about the power of God's truth:

Let praise cascade off my lips;

after all, you've taught me the truth about life!

And let your promises ring from my tongue;

every order you've given is right.

Put your hand out and steady me

since I've chosen to live by your counsel.

I'm homesick, God, for your salvation;

I love it when you show yourself!

Invigorate my soul so I can praise you well,

use your decrees to put iron in my soul.

And should I wander off like a lost sheep—seek me!

I'll recognize the sound of your voice.

In this excerpt, I think the writer is stating that the decrees of God's Word--His law--can be like iron that strengthens the soul. And like iron, when God's Word really gets in us, it guides us toward truth--like that ultra-strong MRI magnet. God's Word steadies us--it draws us toward Him because it helps us to know His voice and who He is. That's pretty powerful stuff!

Tomorrow: Psalm 120-132

I love the law

Today: Psalm 119: 1-88

"I love the law..."

These words grabbed my attention as I was frantically getting ready on a recent morning while the "Today" show played on a nearby television. Who says that in 2010?!? Most people in our society disdain for words like "law" and "authority" and "obedience."

In this case, Supreme Court Justice nominee Elena Kagan said, "I love the law..." on the "Today" show. I remembered her words when I read today's passage.

Psalm 119 is the longest chapter in the entire Bible (we're reading it over two days on this reading plan!), but the whole chapter is really an expression of love for God's law--His Word.

While it may sound odd to hear or read, "I love the law," imagine what our world would be like without any civil laws--people would drive cars wherever they pleased (including your front yard!), stealing would be acceptable, kids wouldn't go to school--you name it! There would be total chaos.

Similarly, God's law is designed to govern our lives. It can often help us to avoid chaos, drama and unnecessary suffering. God's Word is truth that isn't just about fancy philosophy or theology--it's truth that's meant to shape our hearts, relationships with people, relationship with God and our everyday lives of service to Him.

In this portion of the passage, the author expresses his love for God's Word--and how it saved him from chaos:

Be good to your servant, God;

be as good as your Word.

Train me in good common sense;

I'm thoroughly committed to living your way.

Before I learned to answer you, I wandered all over the place,

but now I'm in step with your Word.

You are good, and the source of good;

train me in your goodness.

Though I am extremely thankful for the laws my country was founded upon, I believe that God's law is even more deserving of my love. God's law is goodness, love and truth. It's wisdom, direction and purpose for my life--and what's not to love about that?

Tomorrow: Psalm 119: 89-176

Shining and saving

Today: Psalm 115-118

Tomorrow begins one of my favorite events of the year: the women's conference at my home church. This year's theme as "Shine." I'm sure there will be lots of sparkles and lights around (it is a girly-girl kind of event, after all!). I'm also sure that the speakers will talk about what it means to shine. It's interesting to me that today's passage shed some light (no pun intended!) on the topic as well:

God is higher than anything and anyone,

outshining everything you can see in the skies.

Who can compare with God, our God,

so majestically enthroned,

Surveying his magnificent

heavens and earth?

He picks up the poor from out of the dirt,

rescues the wretched who've been thrown out with the trash,

Seats them among the honored guests,

a place of honor among the brightest and best.

He gives childless couples a family,

gives them joy as the parents of children.

Hallelujah!

But you, Israel: put your trust in God!

—trust your Helper! trust your Ruler!

At Christian conferences for women and men, there's often talk like, "God's called you to be a king!" or "You're one of God's princesses." There's definitely truth in those statements--in the Bible, there are references to people like Esther placed "in a royal position" and God refers to His people as "heirs" called to "rule and reign" with Christ.

That said, I don't think being a king or queen in God's Kingdom is just about sparkles, power and fanfare. On the contrary, I think Jesus was a king with callouses--or a knight in strong armor whose heart bled (in His case, literally) for people. Women like Esther were queens who took major risks for the unloved and underprivileged. The female heroes of the Bible were not pristine princesses in high towers, present only in polished cliques--I picture them as princesses with patches on their knees and dirt on their fingernails. They helped real people.

Because what good is shine if it doesn't reach the darkness? And what good is strength if it lies sedentary?

I love the fact that God is a ruler who also helps.

I love that I know plenty of amazing princesses with patches--women beautiful inside and out who do things like building orphanages for children in South Africa affected by AIDS, giving their time to read to underprivileged kids in our city, donating money to help reach people with the Gospel...and so many other things.

I also love that I know a few good kings with callouses--guys who aren't too proud to spend a Saturday picking weeds in a disabled woman's yard, who live everyday as good dads and husbands, and who give time out of their busy schedules to volunteer at their churches.

Thank you all for shining and serving--for your strength and for your hearts. You will never know (well, until heaven anyway!) what you've done to impact me and so many others. Shining and saving isn't easy, but you're following God's example and that's just priceless.

Tomorrow: Psalm 119:1-88

Ready...or not?

Today: Psalm 108-114

[Confession: I posted this originally in March 2009...but remembered it when I read today's passage and thought you might enjoy it.]

"I'm ready, God, so ready."

Have you ever prayed like that?I think for many of us, it's a last-ditch effort kind of prayer. It's the, "I'm still here, God, do you hear me?!? Do you see what I'm going through?!?" kind of prayer. It's probably a prayer of desperation--for that long-awaited job, spouse, financial stability, salvation of a close friend or relative, healing, relationship repair...you name it. Last night (well, today in this 2010 update!) I was reading a prayer that started like that in Psalm 108, but that's not what it was about...well, not exactly. Here's how it goes:

I'm ready, God, so ready,
ready from head to toe.
Ready to sing,
ready to raise a God-song
"Wake, soul!"
...I'm thanking you, God,
out in the streets,
singing your praises
in town and country.
The deeper your love,
the higher it goes;
every cloud's a flag to your faithfulness.
Soar high in the skies, O God!
Cover the whole earth with your glory!

Whoa. David's "I'm SO ready, God" was expressing his desperation to thank and praise God. But that's not where the story ends:

And for the sake of the one you love so much,
reach down and help me—answer me!

Hold up--David was desperate to praise God...when, at the same time, he was also desperate for help? He was psyched to thank God...when the answers weren't there yet? Wow. Let's see how God responded to that:

That's when God spoke in holy splendor:
"Brimming over with joy,
I make a present of Shechem,
I hand out Succoth Valley as a gift.
Gilead's in my pocket,
to say nothing of Manasseh.
Ephraim's my hard hat,
Judah my hammer.
Moab's a scrub bucket—
I mop the floor with Moab,
Spit on Edom,
rain fireworks all over Philistia."

Translation? God's basically saying to David (a warrior), "I'm giving you new territory. I've got allies for you in my back pocket. And I'm taking out your enemies." I kind of wish the prayer ended there. But I'll be honest--I'm really glad it doesn't. Because it goes on to show a little bit more of David's humanity. After God spoke and basically said, "Don't worry--I'm taking care of you and your situation," David did what a lot of us do...he kept on talking:

Who will take me to the thick of the fight?
Who'll show me the road to Edom?
You aren't giving up on us, are you, God?
refusing to go out with our troops?

David's questions here are interesting to me. He is the man after God's own heart--but he's also still a man. A human being. And like a lot of us, he doesn't just want God to answer--he wants the details. He doesn't just want to know what's going to happen...he wants to know how. The prayer ends as David says:

Give us help for the hard task;
human help is worthless.
In God we'll do our very best;
he'll flatten the opposition for good.

The good news? In the end, David trusted God and admitted the limitations of humanity. However, I also love that David didn't let his limitations stop him from doing his part. I hope reading this passage (and my little commentary along the way) encouraged you. I know looking closely at David's example and God's way of speaking and answering prayer in this passage was a good reminder for me--to focus on thanking God just for who He is, to listen, to trust His plan for my life and to do my best with whatever "hard task" I encounter.

Tomorrow: Psalm 115-118

Me, Veruka Salt and forgotten miracles

Today: Psalm 106-107

I don't know about you, but sometimes (even this year and throughout this project!), I've been a whiny brat child with God.

As much as I hate to admit it, sometimes I wonder if God sometimes sees me like the obnoxious Veruka Salt in the 1970s version of "Willy Wonka & The Chocolate Factory." Veruka is the girl with the accent who says, "I want it now, Daddy!" over and over and over again (she wants an Oompa Loompa and an Everlasting Gobstopper and...well, pretty much everything!).

The problem with Veruka Salt (and me, too, at moments!) is that she forgets what she has...and what she's already been given. If Veruka could depict any people in the Bible, it would probably be the Israelites just after their exodus from Egypt. Take a look at this part of today's passage:

After our parents left Egypt,

they took your wonders for granted,

forgot your great and wonderful love.

They were barely beyond the Red Sea

when they defied the High God

—the very place he saved them!

—the place he revealed his amazing power!

He rebuked the Red Sea so that it dried up on the spot

—he paraded them right through!

—no one so much as got wet feet!

He saved them from a life of oppression,

pried them loose from the grip of the enemy.

Then the waters flowed back on their oppressors;

there wasn't a single survivor.

Then they believed his words were true

and broke out in songs of praise.

But it wasn't long before they forgot the whole thing,

wouldn't wait to be told what to do.

They only cared about pleasing themselves in that desert,

provoked God with their insistent demands.

He gave them exactly what they asked for—

but along with it they got an empty heart.

The end of this passage stood out to me--"they got an empty heart." I don't know exactly what it means, but I'll take a guess. I don't think it's saying that God's heart toward the people was empty: God is always love. However, I think it may be saying that like Veruka Salt, the people of Israel developed an insatiable desire for more, more and more...without any gratitude for the blessings and miracles God had already given them. Sound familiar?

To me, this story depicts my own at moments...but also the lives of so many people (particularly in North America) who are consumers of God and His goodness. There's a fine line between trusting God for provision and blessings (a good thing) and becoming a needy brat child. The difference between the two is really a difference of the heart. God won't love you less if you're a mini-me Veruka--but your life and your heart will feel empty. To keep your heart full and to live a life that is full of love--you have to stay grateful and remember where every blessing comes from. Remember the miracles you've seen already and the gifts that are in your life every single day. Trust me--it's better than an Everlasting Gobstopper any day. :)

Tomorrow: Psalm 108-114

Inside-out love

Today: Psalm 103-105

"Everlasting, Your light will shine when all else fades.
Never ending,
Your glory goes beyond all fame.
And the cry of my heart is to bring You praise
From the inside out..."

A few weeks ago, I was singing this worship song ("From the Inside Out" by Hillsong United) at a church in Canada far from home.

If you know me, you know I'm not a big-time crier, but as soon as I heard the intro., I started to tear up. There's something about this song and the role it has played at different moments in my life that gets to me. I absolutely love the message: God is always there no matter what and He is worthy of the kind of praise that comes from the inside out.

Why?

Today's passage illustrated the answer. Let's review:

God is sheer mercy and grace;

not easily angered,

he's rich

in love.

He doesn't endlessly nag and scold,

nor hold grudges forever.

He doesn't treat us as our sins deserve,

nor pay us back in full for our wrongs.

As high as heaven is over the earth,

so strong is his love to those who fear him.

And as far as sunrise is from sunset,

he has separated us from our sins.

As parents feel for their children,

God feels for those who fear him.

He knows us inside and out,

keeps in mind that we're made of mud.

Men and women don't live very long;

like wildflowers they spring up and blossom,

But a storm snuffs them out just as quickly,

leaving nothing to show they were here.

God's love, though, is ever and always,

eternally present to all who fear him...

God deserves my inside-out worship because He loves me (and you, too) with an inside-out love. He knows everything about us and continues to love us anyway. His Word doesn't just tell us that He loves us--it demonstrates just how much He have loved us throughout time with a sacrificial, life-giving kind of love.

Tomorrow: Psalm 106-107

Beauty and the might

Today: Psalm 96-102

I may be a little (or a lot!) biased--but I think that I live in one of the most beautiful parts of the country. Today was no exception. It was a sunny spring today and the Emerald City of Seattle and nearby Whidbey Island was literally sparkling. I saw green trees, a bald eagle, deer, mountains and the ocean. It was a, "Wow--I can't believe I get to be here and see these things and believe in a God who made them all!"

For me, those moments come often when I'm at the ocean. It's incredible to walk barefoot on the beach and see tiny tiny sea creatures and on the opposite side of the spectrum, to see the effects of powerful tides. The ocean is a beautiful picture of God's power at work.

When I read today's passage, I was reminded of God's power and beauty. Take a look:

God made the heavens—

Royal splendor radiates from him,

A powerful beauty sets him apart.

Bravo, God, Bravo!

Everyone join in the great shout: Encore!

In awe before the beauty, in awe before the might.

Bring gifts and celebrate,

Bow before the beauty of God,

Then to your knees—everyone worship!

Get out the message—God Rules!

He put the world on a firm foundation;

He treats everyone fair and square.

Let's hear it from Sky,

With Earth joining in,

And a huge round of applause from Sea.

Let Wilderness turn cartwheels,

Animals, come dance,

Put every tree of the forest in the choir—

An extravaganza before God as he comes,

As he comes to set everything right on earth,

Set everything right, treat everyone fair.

Tomorrow: Psalm 103-105

God's words (and none of mine)

Today: Psalm 90-95

"If you'll hold on to me for dear life," says God,

"I'll get you out of any trouble.

I'll give you the best of care

if you'll only get to know and trust me.

Call me and I'll answer,

be at your side in bad times;

I'll rescue you, then throw you a party.

I'll give you a long life,

give you a long drink of salvation!"

Tomorrow: Psalm 96-102

Humpty Dumpty restored

Today: Psalm 86-89

When I read today's passage, the children's nursery rhyme about Humpty Dumpty came to my mind. Take a look at this excerpt from one of David's psalms:

Train me, God, to walk straight;

then I'll follow your true path.

Put me together, one heart and mind;

then, undivided, I'll worship in joyful fear.

From the bottom of my heart I thank you, dear Lord;

I've never kept secret what you're up to.

You've always been great toward me—what love!

I think it's interesting that David depicts himself here as someone that's divided. Like Humpty Dumpty, he wants to be put back together again. Luckily for David (and for all of us), when all the king's horses and all the king's men can't people together again--God can. God's a master at restoring broken lives. That's definitely worthy of our love, thanks and worship.

Tomorrow: Psalm 90-95

Just in love

Today: Psalm 80-85

Is it possible to be both kind and strong? Is it possible to be loving and to simultaneously lack tolerance?

These are not simple questions. If I took a poll on the street, the votes would be split...but my hunch is that most people would say that it is difficult to hold ideals that (at first glance anyway) seem to be at opposite ends of the spectrum.

The Bible teaches that God is love...but God is also just. At times, those two virtues could seem contradictory. I would argue that God is just in love. That may sound like a paradox or a total tongue twister. I'll explain a bit later, but I thought it would be interesting to first highlight some different scenarios from today's passage that illustrate these attributes of God's character.

In this part of the passage, Asaph highlights the loving blessing of God:

Smile your blessing smile:

That will be our salvation.

And a few chapters later, he discusses God's justice toward some evil judges:

God calls the judges into his courtroom, he puts all the judges in the dock...

O God, give them their just deserts!

You've got the whole world in your hands!

I think these excerpts contrast the loving and just natures of God:

All sunshine and sovereign is God,

generous in gifts and glory.

God, you smiled on your good earth!

You brought good times back to Jacob!...

Help us again, God of our help;

don't hold a grudge against us forever.

You aren't going to keep this up, are you?

Love and Truth meet in the street...

This may be a confusing concept to grasp--and far be it from me to say that I've got it all figured out. But here's what I think: When I write that "God is just in love," I am first and foremost saying it in its simplest form--God is madly in love with you, me and every human being. But on a deeper level, when I say, "God is just in love," I'm pointing to His justice. Because if He loves all of us--along with ideals like goodness and truth, it means that He hates other things (like evil and lies, to name a few).

Things to think about:

• Who and what does God love?
  
• What does God hate?
  
• How have we seen God's balance of love and justice play out in Scripture? How have you seen it unfold in your own life?
  
• Yesterday, I wrote about the idea of grace (see "Undeserved help"). How does grace fall into the mix of love and justice?

Tomorrow: Psalm 86-89

Undeserved help

Today: Psalm 78-79

I don't know why, but there are lots of religions based on the idea that you have to earn your way to Heaven/Paradise/eternal bliss. If that were true, I think most of us would be in a lot of trouble.

One of the interesting things about the God of the Bible is that He is a God of grace--He gives people help they don't deserve. Here's something that stood out to me in today's passage:

It was clear they didn't believe God,

had no intention of trusting in his help.

But God helped them anyway,

commanded the clouds

and gave orders that opened the gates of heaven.

He rained down showers of manna to eat,

he gave them the Bread of Heaven.

They ate the bread of the mighty angels;

he sent them all the food they could eat...

Interesting, huh?

I'll be clear: I'm not saying that God's grace extends to eternal salvation for all mankind. (The Bible is pretty clear that to receive salvation, people have to first believe in God and ask for His forgiveness--see Romans 3:9-26 or 1 John 1:9.) I'm also not saying that God's grace is a carte blanche to intentionally mess up and disobey Him (see James 2:14-26 for more on that topic).

What I am saying?

God is just and God is love. The two ideals aren't mutually exclusive. God offers us so much we don't deserve at all--just because of His goodness. We may not see that grace every day (during this blog journal, we've already talked about the fact that sometimes bad things happen to good people). But every day is--in itself--a gift you and I don't deserve. We have a lot to be thankful for.

Tomorrow: Psalm 80-85

When the earth goes topsy-turvy...

Today: Psalm 74-77

There have been a lot of things in the past few years that have made people shake their heads and wonder, "What in the world is going on?!?"

One of those moments happened last week on May 6 when the Dow Jones Industrial Average suddenly dropped nearly 1,000 points. I've heard from people who are the experts--traders, economists and savvy people in the financial industry who basically scratched their heads and said, "We didn't know exactly what was going on. No one knew why the sudden drop happened..."

This is one example of a moment of uncertainty when people had no clue why things happened the way they did. It's an example that may seem dramatic--but it's far from a sudden diagnosis or a job loss or a tragic death that seems completely inexplicable. Those are life-altering moments most of us just don't understand.

That's why I found this Psalm (one of Asaph's) reassuring. Take a look:

We thank you, God, we thank you—

your Name is our favorite word;

your mighty works are all we talk about.

You say, "I'm calling this meeting to order,

I'm ready to set things right.

When the earth goes topsy-turvy

And nobody knows which end is up,

I nail it all down,

I put everything in place again.

I say to the smart alecks, 'That's enough,'

to the bullies, 'Not so fast.'"

I don't know about you, but I have what I call "freak-out moments" (they're rare, but they happen...even though I might look cool as a cucumber on the surface!). Usually my freak-out moments have to do with stuff that's pretty small in the grand scheme of things--work stress or the (good?) kind of freak-outs when I'm just plain nervous to talk to a cute guy or try something new. I love that God sees and knows it all--and more than that, He can calm me down, give me wisdom and He puts things into place (so I don't have to worry about taking charge of everything myself!).

P.S. Something that may help you put things in perspective about the economy? Guess how many stocks and companies are represented by the Dow Jones Industrial Average? Just guess...

What did you think?

3,000?

1,000?

500?

100?

You'd be wrong. The answer?

30.

That's not a typo. Media personalities yell and scream and cause thousands of people to go into freak-out panic mode because of the ups and downs in 30 companies....out of the thousands of companies around the world. Crazy. Sometimes before you break out into freak-out mode, it helps to have the facts. And a major dose of faith, too. I'm just sayin'... :)

Tomorrow: Psalm 78-79

Teaching, hula hoops and childhood faith

Today: Psalm 70-73

Today is Mother's Day. And of all things, today I tried to teach my mother how to hula hoop. She works with elementary-aged kids who dared her--on the playground--to learn how. I hadn't hula hooped in about 20 years, but I picked up the hoop she brought home and found that surprisingly, I could still swing with the best of them! :) As I was instructing my mom, "You have to move your hips like this and keep your feet planted like that...", I thought about some of the many things she taught me (so far, anyway!).

My mom taught me how to sing. She taught me (and dozens of other kids!) how to read and how to write. She gave me life--but she also introduced me to some of the best things in my life. Perhaps most importantly, she and my Dad taught me about God.

Today my pastor prayed a prayer of salvation with people who invited God to lead their lives. He asked the congregation, "How many of you remember this moment in your own life?" I do. For me, that moment did not happen at a church altar in front of thousands of people. It happened on my front porch. It happened when I was a preschooler who said something like, "Mommy--I want to ask Jesus to live in my heart." That day, Mom led me in the most important prayer of my life.

I thought about that day and lessons from my parents when I saw David's words to God here:

You keep me going when times are tough—

my bedrock, God, since my childhood.

I've hung on you from the day of my birth,

the day you took me from the cradle;

I'll never run out of praise...

You got me when I was an unformed youth, God,

and taught me everything I know.

Now I'm telling the world your wonders;

I'll keep at it until I'm old and gray.

I realize that everyone reading this post may not identify with it or with my life story. And that's okay. The main point of this post (and this excerpt from the passage) is to confidently express the fact that God is Someone you can lean on--whether you start at 4 or 104!

Maybe no one told you that when you were a child. My Mom and Dad didn't know God until they were in their 20s...they were learning about Him as they were teaching me and my sisters. They taught us to trust in God and they also taught us to never stop learning. I am forever grateful. Free hula hoop lessons could never make up for that...but I'll keep teaching them anyway. :)

Tomorrow: Psalm 74-77

The Great Listener

Today: Psalm 66-69

Listening--really listening--may be a skill that's becoming a lost art.

How many times have you been at a coffee shop designed for community and conversations...only to see a bunch of people on laptops and cell phones? How many times have you been at lunch or dinner with people who answered their phones and/or used text messaging? (For some interesting stats about texting, check out this article.) Besides technological distractions, sometimes people are bad listeners because they're not fully engaged in a conversation...perhaps they're thinking about something completely different or distracted by other things around them. In some moments, I've definitely been guilty of being a bad listener myself.

Someone who is definitely a good listener? God. According to David in today's passage, He's an especially good listener to those who aren't "cozy with evil," but believe in Him. Check it out:

All believers, come here and listen,

let me tell you what God did for me.

I called out to him with my mouth,

my tongue shaped the sounds of music.

If I had been cozy with evil,

the Lord would never have listened.

But he most surely did listen,

he came on the double when he heard my prayer.

Blessed be God: he didn't turn a deaf ear,

he stayed with me, loyal in his love.

I love how David describes God as one "loyal in love." That's also rare--but absolutely amazing.

Tomorrow: Psalm 70-73

Hope, help and a harbor

Today: Psalm 58-65

In today's passage, I loved this section from one of David's psalms that describes God as our hope, help and harbor. These are good verses to re-read and meditate on:

God, the one and only—

I'll wait as long as he says.

Everything I hope for comes from him,

so why not?

He's solid rock under my feet,

breathing room for my soul,

An impregnable castle: I'm set for life.

My help and glory are in God

—granite-strength and safe-harbor-God—

So trust him absolutely, people;

lay your lives on the line for him.

God is a safe place to be.

Tomorrow: Psalm 66-69

Heart shattered, but ready for love?

Today: Psalm 51-57

Even great people make mistakes...sometimes, big ones. For David, one of those major mess-ups was an affair with a married woman named Bathsheba. It was an affair he tried to cover up by basically ordering Bathsheba's husband killed. God saw the whole thing (of course!) and spoke through a prophet (Nathan) who confronted David. Psalm 51 is the result of that confrontation--David expresses his sorrow and asks God for forgiveness. This part of David's prayer really stood out to me:

Going through the motions doesn't please you,

a flawless performance is nothing to you.

I learned God-worship

when my pride was shattered.

Heart-shattered lives ready for love

don't for a moment escape God's notice.

God always sees and knows our hearts. When we let go of the facades of pride, we are truly ready to worship--and to be changed by the power of His love.

Tomorrow: Psalm 58-65

You can't take it with you

Today: Psalm 46-50

If you look at the magazines at a grocery store check-out, you would get an interesting perspective on our society--and the things that are compelling to people. You'd see beautiful supermodels, athletes, and actors. You'd read headlines about losing weight, looking younger and getting (or saving) more money.

I'm not saying those things are inherently bad...but there's nothing of eternal significance about predicting the next championship team or choosing the perfect spring wardrobe. Here's what today's passage had to say about focusing on material things:

So don't be impressed with those who get rich

and pile up fame and fortune.

They can't take it with them;

fame and fortune all get left behind.

Just when they think they've arrived

and folks praise them because they've made good,

They enter the family burial plot where they'll never see sunshine again.

We aren't immortal.

We don't last long.

This passage is a reminder to focus on the things that really matter...which aren't really things at all.

Tomorrow: Psalm 51-57

How low can you go?

Today: Psalm 40-45

I've said it before and I'll probably say it again as we read through Psalms: David was a passionate guy. Passionate people can sometimes feel REALLY high highs...and REALLY low lows. In David's writing, we can see that come through a bit--but in David's defense, he went through some really amazing stuff and some really terrible stuff, too.

Today's chapters feature a few of David's low moments, but even in the middle of them, I think his perspective is interesting. Check it out:

Why are you down in the dumps, dear soul?

Why are you crying the blues?

Fix my eyes on God—

soon I'll be praising again.

He puts a smile on my face.

He's my God.

Even while in the middle of being down in the dumps, David tried to encourage himself about God's goodness--he knew the value of focusing on God instead of just focusing on himself or his challenges. There are moments for tears and sadness, but focusing on who God is and the blessings He provides can help us to smile again.

Tomorrow: Psalm 46-50

Dogs, slobber and Scripture

Today: Psalm 36-39

My dog Harley loves it when I come home. He stands by the door in expectation. He waits for me to take him outside and let him run around in the backyard. As soon as he comes back in the house, he grabs one of his toys and stands by my side. He looks up at me with wide eyes, waiting for me to pull on the toy. I do. And it's slobbery...really slobbery. Ugh! :) I guess I can't fault a dog for loving his toys.

I thought of Harley when I read part of today's passage. Take a look:

Righteous chews on wisdom like a dog on a bone,

rolls virtue around on his tongue.

His heart pumps God's Word like blood through his veins;

his feet are as sure as a cat's.

It's a different type of Scripture passage, but I love the imagery. We're not literally supposed to chew on wisdom or God's Word--but it's supposed to be something we love with the same zeal that Harley has for his beloved toys. We're supposed to speak virtue--to let God's Word flow through us as if it's part of our DNA. To slobber Scripture? Not exactly...but to let it ground us, like the purposeful steps of cat. (Sorry, Harley!) :)

Tomorrow: Psalm 40-45

Are you still in awe that you're Mine?

Today: Psalm 32-35

The bride walked down the aisle, arm-in-arm with her dad. She was breathtakingly beautiful--with angelic blonde curls and a beaming smile. I love watching brides walk down the aisle, but I also adore looking at the grooms' faces. This groom's face had the perfect look of happiness/awe/amazement that this gorgeous woman--my former roommate Hannah--was going to marry him.

As I watched Hannah and Matt get married this afternoon, I was reminded of the church service I attended this morning.* At one point, the pastor asked the congregation, "Are you still in awe of being God's people?" Sometimes God personalizes the question even further and asks, "Are you still in awe that you're Mine?"

I think David felt that sense of wonder at different points in his life. In today's passage, here's what grabbed my attention:

The skies were made by God's command;

he breathed the word and the stars popped out.

He scooped Sea into his jug,

put Ocean in his keg.

Earth-creatures, bow before God;

world-dwellers—down on your knees!

Here's why: he spoke and there it was,

in place the moment he said so.

Wow! The God who breathed the stars and scooped out the seas has called you and me His. Talk about awe-inspiring!

I think many times, when we're little kids or perhaps when we're new believers in God, we have that sense of awe that I saw in Matt's eyes today. We're amazed that the Creator of the universe loves us, knows us and chose us.

There is an awesome power in wedding day love. It's love that's new and beautiful. But if that sense of awe remains 50 years from today--if it's there when both Hannah and Matt are grey and wrinkled after weathering life's joys and challenges, it will be a different kind of beautiful. It will be like a couple I saw dancing at their wedding--a man and woman in their 70s who danced a beautiful waltz-style to all the Black Eyed Peas, Shakira and Michael Jackson music played at the reception. This couple didn't seem to care about the music or what other people thought--they just kept dancing. They only saw each other. They were still in awe-filled love.

Lord, let us be in awe that we're Yours--today, 50 years from today and forever.

Tomorrow: Psalm 36-39



*Today I was inspired by the message, people and worship of Langley Evangelical Free Church in Langley, BC, Canada.

The perfect getaway

Today: Psalm 26-31

I have a serious bug. You may think it's still the flu (which I had earlier this week--not fun!). But I've had this bug for much longer than that. I have a travel bug.

I haven't traveled to very many places...yet. But I definitely have a mental and literal list going of the countries and cities and shops and museums I'd like to visit. For Christmas, my best friend bought me a subscription to a travel magazine. Every single issue is filled with beautiful pictures of fabulous getaways. And my lists are getting longer every single time I read it.

In today's passage, David wrote about his perfect getaway.

Light, space, zest— that's God!

So, with him on my side I'm fearless,

afraid of no one and nothing...

When besieged,

I'm calm as a baby.

When all hell breaks loose,

I'm collected and cool.

I'm asking God for one thing, only one thing:

To live with him in his house my whole life long.

I'll contemplate his beauty; I'll study at his feet.

That's the only quiet, secure place in a noisy world,

The perfect getaway, far from the buzz of traffic.

God holds me head and shoulders above all who try to pull me down.

I'm headed for his place to offer anthems that will raise the roof!

Already I'm singing God-songs;

I'm making music to God...

Stay with God!

Take heart.

Don't quit.

I'll say it again:

Stay with God.

David's perfect getaway was simply a place where he could find God's presence. Talk about a budget vacation! In David's day, that place was usually the Tabernacle (or a Tent of Meeting)--in other words, church. But God's presence has never been confined to a building. You and I can find "the perfect getaway" with a laptop on our living room couches (that's where I'm at now!), a park, a coffee shop, a conference room or a beach in the middle of Hawaii.

The perfect getaway is a place we can go to spend time with God and to worship Him. Wherever that place is, because you're with God, you can walk away feeling like David felt--light, restored, peaceful, energized and strengthened. The experience of prayer, worship and hearing/reading God's Word changes you for the better. Who wouldn't want that? And if that experience could happen on top of the Eiffel Tower, even better!

Tomorrow: Psalm 32-35