Builders and bullies

Today: Jeremiah 18-22

What are you building?

You may think this is a bizarre question if you're not handy with tools (personally, I haven't ever built anything...unless you count a gingerbread house). But I assure you--this question applies to us.

Every day we're building something--perhaps we're building the people around us, businesses, churches, savings, political causes, knowledge--you name it. Building any of these things can be positive, but as we've discussed in other posts, order matters to God.

In today's passage, He continued His discussion with Jeremiah and the people of Israel about their bad behavior. Let's review God's words here:

Doom to him who builds palaces but bullies people,

who makes a fine house but destroys lives,

Who cheats his workers and won't pay them for their work,

Who says, 'I'll build me an elaborate mansion with spacious rooms and fancy windows.

I'll bring in rare and expensive woods and the latest in interior decor.'

So, that makes you a king—living in a fancy palace?

Your father got along just fine, didn't he?

He did what was right and treated people fairly,

And things went well with him.

He stuck up for the down-and-out,

And things went well for Judah.

Isn't this what it means to know me?"

God's Decree!"

But you're blind and brainless.

All you think about is yourself,

Taking advantage of the weak,

bulldozing your way, bullying victims."

Yikes--these people seriously messed up. They thought they were building wealth and financial security, but they were doing it in a way that bulldozed over something much more important--other people.

It's important to point out that in this passage, God doesn't necessarily criticize wealth. When He talks about past leaders who lived correctly and treated people fairly, He said, "And things went well with him." I don't think God would have necessarily made that blanket statement about leaders who struggled financially, dealt with constant conflict, etc. Other parts of the Bible point to leaders God loved and blessed who were extremely wealthy (e.g. David, Solomon, Abraham).

However, when we are driven by greed and a self-promoting thirst for wealth or power, it's out of line with God's order. We become bullies--builders of own designs instead of building according to God's plans.

Consider what you're building, the order you're following and your motivation. If it's out of whack, the solution is simple: Go after God first with all you've got. The other stuff can follow that (see Matthew 6:33).

Tomorrow: Jeremiah 23-25

Words, relevance and the heart

Today: Jeremiah 14-17

There's often a fine line between trying to be relevant...and actually being authentic. The worst situations often arise when were are dishonest in how we present ourselves--or even God--to gain some popularity with people.

This has always been a challenge for God's people. In today's passage, we read about church leaders who ignored the truth of God's Word to present messages that pleased some pretty messed-up people. Let's review God's instruction here:

Use words truly and well.

Don't stoop to cheap whining.

Then, but only then, you'll speak for me.

Let your words change them.

Don't change your words to suit them.

I love this. It's a challenge for every Christian and especially for leaders to use wisdom and love--but to never lose sight of the truth of God's Word. It is possible to be both relevant and have some favor with people (see Jesus' example)--but our top priorities should not be to please others or to be trendy--our main mission is to honor God and obey what He says (also see Jesus' example).

God's message is not always in style with everyone. I've found that when people try to water down Scripture, it doesn't end up doing anything extraordinary. Feel-good messages from twisted Scriptures sound nice, but they sound just like self-help books. Is God's Word full of love, grace and mercy? Absolutely! But the Bible isn't compared to a sword for nothing--it's powerful. It pierces hearts and changes lives. The Bible doesn't cater to people--it challenges them.

Much of today's passage focused on God's assessment of the wickedness of His people--they deliberately disobeyed Him and turned their backs on His love. However, I found it refreshing to see God's words of blessing for those who honored Him:

But blessed is the man who trusts me, God,

the woman who sticks with God.

They're like trees replanted in Eden, putting down roots near the rivers—

Never a worry through the hottest of summers, never dropping a leaf,

Serene and calm through droughts,

bearing fresh fruit every season.

The heart is hopelessly dark and deceitful,

a puzzle that no one can figure out.

But I, God, search the heart and examine the mind.

I get to the heart of the human.

I get to the root of things.

I treat them as they really are,

not as they pretend to be."

In this section, God characterized blessed people as those who trust in Him, stay grounded and at peace, and are continually growing and productive. I also love the end of this excerpt--God sees our hearts and not just our words. He wants people to authentically love Him, free of pretension and show. Just real, honest love and living.

Tomorrow: Jeremiah 18-22

Lopsided love

Today: Jeremiah 10-13

Lopsided love is rare in fairy tales--the prince doesn't ever seem to choose the mousy, chubby chick and the princess doesn't pick the servant guy who is tall and thin like a string bean. In teen flicks, the football star doesn't choose the band geek and the cheerleader doesn't ever seem to fall for the captain of the debate team.

Why is that?!?

I often wonder if it's because a lot of people tend to keep score in relationships. We think things like, "I'm not financially stable enough to date that girl--she wouldn't fall for someone like me" or "That guy is REALLY cute--he wouldn't go for a girl over a size 3"...even when these concepts might not be true.

While the examples I've given above are all related to external factors like social labels and appearance, lopsided love is also rare because of internal reasons. The really sweet, kind guy typically doesn't fall in love with an abrasive woman...and maintain a healthy relationship. Happy marriages aren't typically found between couples where one readily admits, "I kinda love you--but not as much as you love me."

Can love be lopsided--and work?

In today's passage, this excerpt from God's message to His people stood out to me:

'Obey what I tell you. Do exactly what I command you.

Your obedience will close the deal.

You'll be mine and I'll be yours.

This will provide the conditions in which I will be able to do

what I promised your ancestors:

to give them a fertile and lush land.

And, as you know, that's what I did.'"

The bold text got me, "You'll be mine and I'll be yours." It sounds like part of the wedding vows--but it's God proposing this exchange to His people back during Old Testament times and today, too.

It's like He's saying, "You give me your last penny and I'll give you all the bazillions I have. Okay?" Like that's a fair trade!!!

God wants our obedience. He wants all of our hearts. But all of our hearts don't even come CLOSE to all of His heart--and that's what He's offering! Unbelievable.

God's love for us is completely lopsided. It's over-the-top, indescribable, insanely beautiful...but true.

Tomorrow: Jeremiah 14-17

God's trademarks

Today: Jeremiah 7-9

I thought it would be good today to focus on God's Message at the end of this passage--a section where He reveals what He calls His trademarks. Take a look:

God's Message:
"Don't let the wise brag of their wisdom.

Don't let heroes brag of their exploits.

Don't let the rich brag of their riches.

If you brag, brag of this and this only:

That you understand and know me.

I'm God, and I act in loyal love.

I do what's right and set things right and fair,

and delight in those who do the same things.

These are my trademarks."

God's Decree.

Blessings at a distance

Today: Jeremiah 4-6

I'll be honest: In today's chapters, God is NOT happy with His people. They've turned away from Him and are blind to His goodness. Check out what He said here:

It never occurs to them to say,

'How can we honor our God with our lives,

The God who gives rain in both spring and autumn

and maintains the rhythm of the seasons,

Who sets aside time each year for harvest

and keeps everything running smoothly for us?'

Of course you don't!

Your bad behavior blinds you to all this.

Your sins keep my blessings at a distance...

Whoa. It's interesting that God hadn't stopped blessing His people--they just didn't recognize the blessings or fully experience them.

How can you and I make sure that we're not blocking ourselves from God or His blessings? The answer's in this passage, too. We have to first ask for His forgiveness--and then choose to submit to His leadership, asking, "How can we honor God with our lives?" That sounds simple, but it requires a heart of humility, love and perseverance--to continually desire God and pursue the purpose He has for you.

Tomorrow: Jeremiah 7-9

The comeback kid

Today: Jeremiah 1-3

Have you ever known people who suddenly disappear?

I'm not talking about assistants in a magic act. I'm not referring to kids on milk cartons or the evening news. I'm talking about people who suddenly disappear...from work, from socializing with good friends or most likely, from church.

There are people who overnight seem to switch personalities--one day, they are the reliable church volunteer, attending services every weekend. And then they suddenly disappear...sometimes, forever. Why does that happen?

In today's passage, God talked with Jeremiah about runaway people--people who tried to runaway from God and chose to pursue false gods, sin, religion and sex. God actually referred to these people as "whores"--trading truth and a real God who loved them for cheap thrills. Some of these people may have been literally whoring with sex outside its God-designed plan (marriage), but some people turn tricks for other things--work, power, money, drugs, food...you name it. Whoring happens when we turn our backs on God and devote our hearts, minds and souls to other things.

Many of the disappearing people I referred to at the beginning of this post disappear because of guilt or shame. They may realize that their pursuits were wrong, but don't want to face God or the people they disappointed. But I don't think God is ever disappointed with people who genuinely admit their failure, ask for forgiveness and aim to change for the better. Take a look at this message God gave to the people of Israel:

'Turn back, fickle Israel.

I'm not just hanging back to punish you.

I'm committed in love to you.

My anger doesn't seethe nonstop.

Just admit your guilt.

Admit your God-defiance.

Admit to your promiscuous life with casual partners,

pulling strangers into the sex-and-religion groves

While turning a deaf ear to me.'"

God's Decree.

"Come back, wandering children!"

God's Decree.

It sounds so simple. But when God forgives, He completely forgets. Because of Christ's sacrifice and His grace, when we ask for forgiveness, God not only grants it--but sees us as if we never messed up in the first place. This means that there's absolutely no reason for God's people to constantly live in fear, guilt or shame. Wow.

Here's what happened when God forgave Israel:

...And this is what will happen:

You will increase and prosper in the land.

The time will come"—

God's Decree!—

"when no one will say any longer,

'Oh, for the good old days!

Remember the Ark of the Covenant?'

It won't even occur to anyone to say it—'the good old days.'

The so-called good old days of the Ark are gone for good.
"Jerusalem will be the new Ark—'God's Throne.'

All the godless nations, no longer stuck in the ruts of their evil ways,

will gather there to honor God.

Good, right? This excerpt is basically saying that after God's forgiveness, none of His people would talk about "the good old days"...because they would experience some new AMAZING days. His forgiveness freshens up our lives so that we forget about past failures and move ahead toward brighter futures. That's extreme grace. Instead of disappearing, you and I can become comeback kids. And who doesn't love a story about redemption and restoration?

Tomorrow: Jeremiah 4-6

I'm still here...

Today: Isaiah 64-66

Have you ever felt invisible? Overlooked? Forgotten?

These aren't the best feelings in the world, but I think it's interesting that God has experienced that feeling, too. In today's passage, there's a section where God addressed His people and reflected on how some treated Him:

I'm here, ready to be found

by those who haven't bothered to look.

I kept saying 'I'm here, I'm right here'

to a nation that ignored me.

I reached out day after day

to a people who turned their backs on me,

People who make wrong turns,

who insist on doing things their own way...

Yikes! Isn't that interesting? The Creator of the Universe, the all-powerful, all-knowing God...somehow goes unnoticed?

People often say things like, "God just feels really distant right now" or "I haven't felt His presence lately." The truth? God is always there for us--we just might not see Him in front of our noses...or we've put up barriers between ourselves and Him.

God's still here. He's still reaching out for you and for me. He's ready to be found.

Tomorrow: Jeremiah 1-3

Making a list...

Today: Isaiah 59-63



Confession: I think that I may have a mild case of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). One small reason? My eternal love of Post-it Notes and lists. I like being able to see what I have to do...and what I've accomplished at a glance. It's very satisfying to cross items off a to-do list. Sometimes I will actually write things on my to-do list that I've recently completed...just so I can cross them off. Is that weird?

Many people keep lists that are well beyond my basic to-do Post-its. They keep lists of qualities they're looking for in Mr. or Ms. Right. They keep lists of people who have wronged them. They keep lists of their co-workers' annoying habits. They keep lists of places they'd like to visit. And they keep lists of things they want to do before they die.

Some of these lists can be helpful. And others? Not so much. Sometimes these lists are written on paper, tucked away in journals or stored in a cell phone. And some of these lists are engraved in peoples' minds and hearts.

One list worth keeping forever? A list of God's goodness in your life. In today's passage, I liked what the writer said here:

I'll make a list of God's gracious dealings,

all the things God has done that need praising,

All the generous bounties of God,

his great goodness to the family of Israel—

Compassion lavished,

love extravagant.

He said, "Without question these are my people,

children who would never betray me."

So he became their Savior.

In all their troubles, he was troubled, too.

He didn't send someone else to help them.

He did it himself, in person.

Out of his own love and pity

he redeemed them..."

Wow! Bonus: None of the items on this list need to be checked off. It is a never-ending tally of who God was (well over 2,000 years ago), who He is today and who He will be tomorrow.

Tomorrow: Isaiah 64-66

Your ways and God's ways

Today: Isaiah 54-58

I've often heard people paraphrase a Scripture from today's passage where God says, "My thoughts are not your thoughts and my ways are not your ways. My thoughts are higher than your thoughts and my ways are higher than your ways."

It's a good concept to remember, but until today, I didn't realize what came after those words. Take a look:

"I don't think the way you think.

The way you work isn't the way I work."

God's Decree.

"For as the sky soars high above earth,

so the way I work surpasses the way you work,

and the way I think is beyond the way you think.

Just as rain and snow descend from the skies

and don't go back until they've watered the earth,

Doing their work of making things grow and blossom,

producing seed for farmers and food for the hungry,

So will the words that come out of my mouth

not come back empty-handed.

They'll do the work I sent them to do,

they'll complete the assignment I gave them..."

I think it's interesting that God followed His "my ways are higher than your ways" saying with a few proof points--His ways are higher than our ways (at least in part) because His words are never empty. What He says actually happens. God follows through on His promises. I love that.

Tomorrow: Isaiah 59-63

He can't forget you

Today: Isaiah 49-53

"You probably don't remember me, but..."

Have you ever said those words? Or heard them directed toward you?

Imagine that you said those words to a person I'll refer to as a "Crush from Afar"? What would you want him/her to say to you?

I don't know about you, but I've had a few of those guys in my life. In college, there was one guy who I liked from a distance--he was really cute and friends who knew him raved, "He's just the NICEST guy!" I knew that he was a musician, that he attended Bible study regularly and that he was funny. The problem? He hadn't really met me...ever.

Imagine my surprise when he showed up on my doorstep. He appeared out of nowhere at an open house my roommates and I hosted during our senior year. I still don't know why he came...he wasn't really friends with any of my roommates or with me (obviously). In fact, the roommate who opened the door was so surprised that she exclaimed, "Whoa! Hi!"...and then proceeded to shut the door, leaving my Crush From Afar dumbfounded on the doorstep. She came inside and grabbed one of our other roommates.

"You'll never guess who's here--MIKE SMITH!" (Not his real name.)

"Well did you let him in?!?" said the ever-calm, rational roommate.

"Uh-oh..."

This story was very dramatic for me and my roommates at the time (and I'm not even giving you all the details here). But I doubt that my Crush From Afar would even remember this incident...or me...at all.

I thought my Crush was one of the most amazing guys on a small college campus. There were other girls who were much prettier, smarter and funnier. Why would he have time for me? Why would he know my name? I didn't expect him to and I still don't.

And as much as I'd like my former Crush From Afar to remember me, it's WAY more important...and pretty stinkin' miraculous...that God remembers me.

In comparison, God is SO MUCH more amazing than that my former crush. And He's one God with a zillion people clamoring for His attention and affection. Yet somehow, He remembers me...and you, too, of course. Take a look at this:

Can a mother forget the infant at her breast,

walk away from the baby she bore?

But even if mothers forget,

I'd never forget you—

never.

Look, I've written your names on the backs of my hands...

My pastor once read this passage to our congregation and asked, "Did you know that God has a tattoo?" I had read the verses above before, but picturing God with a tattoo that reminded Him of me seemed so much more vivid. Tattoos are painful...and pretty permanent (God's definitely is!).

Later in the passage, this beautiful excerpt describes more of the mark you and I left on our Savior--and how those bruises and scars are the permanent evidence of God's love for us. He can't forget you. No matter what:

He took the punishment, and that made us whole.

Through his bruises we get healed.

We're all like sheep who've wandered off and gotten lost.

We've all done our own thing, gone our own way.

And God has piled all our sins, everything we've done wrong, on him, on him.
He was beaten, he was tortured,

but he didn't say a word.

Like a lamb taken to be slaughtered and like a sheep being sheared,

he took it all

in silence...

Still, it's what God had in mind all along,

to crush him with pain.

The plan was that he give himself as an offering for sin

so that he'd see life come from it—

life, life, and more life.

And God's plan will deeply prosper through him.

Tomorrow: Isaiah 54-58

God in a box

Today: Isaiah 45-48

There are a lot of people who like to put God in a box. They put limits on His power, love, forgiveness and strength. Some people put God in a box with soap opera lighting--to them, He is eternally warm, fuzzy and happy. In contrast, others put God in a box that says He is cold, hard-hearted, empty and distant. To be honest, I don't think God belongs in either of those boxes. He is an infinite God--without limits. Though He never goes against His nature, His nature itself is complex: He is loving, but just. He is forgiving, but holy. He is personal, but all-powerful.

Take a look at His words from today's passage:

"...I am God, the only God there is.

I form light and create darkness,

I make harmonies and create discords.

I, God, do all these things.
"Open up, heavens, and rain.

Clouds, pour out buckets of my goodness!

Loosen up, earth, and bloom salvation;

sprout right living.

I, God, generate all this.

But doom to you who fight your Maker—

you're a pot at odds with the potter!

Does clay talk back to the potter:

'What are you doing? What clumsy fingers!'

Would a sperm say to a father,

'Who gave you permission to use me to make a baby?'

Or a fetus to a mother,

'Why have you cooped me up in this belly?'"
Thus God, The Holy of Israel, Israel's Maker, says:

"Do you question who or what I'm making?

Are you telling me what I can or cannot do?

I made earth,

and I created man and woman to live on it.

I handcrafted the skies

and direct all the constellations in their turnings..."

When I read this, I realize how absurd it is for me to try and put limitations on a limitless God. It's silly for me to try and tell Him how my life and world should run...when He's the one who made me and set this world in motion. If he can craft the skies, He can definitely craft my destiny. If He can provide directions for the stars, surely He can provide some direction for my life.

My life may be composed of both discords and harmonies...and someday, perhaps I'll realize that the discords were designed as much as the melodies. Who am I to try and compose my life as a solo--when it's supposed to be a symphony created by a master composer?

Father's Day

Today: Isaiah 42-44

It's Father's Day tomorrow. And I am REALLY blessed to have one of the world's best dads. If you asked me what makes my Dad so great, I couldn't give just one answer. I couldn't sum up 29 years of love in one charmingly funny, yet poignantly beautiful story. There are a zillion moments that make up our lives together.

He drives me to the airport at ungodly hours--even when I don't ask him to, can drive myself and pay for parking. He tells me, "I'm really proud of you" in just-because moments that coincidentally, are the precise moments when I need to hear it. He loves my Mom. He has always been there for my sisters and me--at our school plays, awards ceremonies, basketball games and spelling bees. He made me go to church every week...even when I didn't feel like it. He likes to do random acts of kindness...like buying dinner for a soldier and his family at the Olive Garden or paying for Starbucks drinks for the car behind him in the drive-thru. He makes me laugh.

While I've been blessed to have a good Dad, I realize that many people don't have that same opportunity. My Dad himself only had a dad for 7 years of his life...his dad died unexpectedly when my Dad was still just a little boy. I also realize that there are people whose fathers are not deceased or absent, but who are cruel or even abusive.

However, the Bible depicts God as a Father...and for those who haven't had a good relationship with a human dad, picturing God as a Father may be a pretty tough concept to grasp.

Today's passage included a wonderful message from God, illustrating His amazing fatherly characteristics. Take a look:

"Don't be afraid,

I've redeemed you.

I've called your name.

You're mine.

When you're in over your head, I'll be there with you.

When you're in rough waters, you will not go down.

When you're between a rock and a hard place, it won't be a dead end—

Because I am God,

your personal God,

The Holy of Israel, your Savior.

I paid a huge price for you..."

Awesome, right? God is a Father who is stable, faithful and strong. He is personal enough to call you His. He paid a significant price to adopt you and I as His own. He has loved us before time itself even existed and will love us unconditionally no matter what. That's the kind of Father He is.

Tomorrow: Isaiah 45-48

Relay for Life

Today: Isaiah 36-41

It's almost midnight and I just got home after a wonderful graduation celebration. On my way home, I drove past a high school that was still lit up with hundreds of lights. It wasn't a football game or a concert--it was something called Relay for Life, a fundraising event for the American Cancer Society. The grandstand was lit up with hundreds of bags that had candles placed in them--together, the bags spelled out "Hope" and "Cure." Glowing bags (called luminaries) lined the track around the football field--each one representing someone who had cancer or is currently fighting the disease.

Tonight there were people still walking around the track around midnight, working together in teams to complete a relay for a cause they care about deeply. I've attended Relay for Life before and remembered seeing cancer patients and survivors among the participants...walking or running around the track. How do they find the strength?

When I saw the Relay for Life tonight, it reminded me of this excerpt from today's passage:

God doesn't come and go.

God lasts.

He's Creator of all you can see or imagine.

He doesn't get tired out, doesn't pause to catch his breath.

And he knows everything, inside and out.

He energizes those who get tired,

gives fresh strength to dropouts.

For even young people tire and drop out,

young folk in their prime stumble and fall.

But those who wait upon God get fresh strength.

They spread their wings and soar like eagles,

They run and don't get tired,

they walk and don't lag behind.

You and I may not be participating in the Relay for Life to benefit the American Cancer Society...but we are in another kind of Relay for Life. We are running a race, living our everyday lives on this planet. We have picked up batons from others--our parents, mentors and/or spiritual "family." And someday, we will pass along those batons to our children or to people we mentor throughout our life-long relay.

Do we get tired--physically, emotionally, mentally and spiritually? YES! But God is always there to help. He's our stable friend, encouraging coach and energizing cheerleader along the way. He recharges us and fills us up--with strength, wisdom, love and endurance to get through.

Tomorrow: Isaiah 42-44

Chew on this...

Today: Isaiah 31-35

Have you read parts of the Bible you simply want or need to think about for more than a minute? The idea of "meditation" may sound like a modern fad or some kind of Eastern religion, but it's actually found in the Bible (see Joshua 1:8). Today, I thought that rather than reading a lot of my insights, it would be good for us to chew on this excerpt for awhile:

Live right,

speak the truth,

despise exploitation,

refuse bribes,

reject violence,

avoid evil amusements.

This is how you raise your standard of living!

A safe and stable way to live.

A nourishing, satisfying way to live.

Tomorrow: Isaiah 36-41

Backwards Day...and backwards faith

Today: Isaiah 28-30

When you were in elementary school, do you remember goofy dress-up days? My school had things like Wacky Hair Day, Rock Star Day and Backwards Day. Backwards Day usually involved wearing some kind of shirt backwards, but also meant walking backwards or eating dessert first at lunch (hey--I could used to that one!).

Have you ever met people who have backwards faith? Or more importantly, have you ever had backwards faith yourself? Take a look at this portion of today's passage:

You pretend to have the inside track.

You shut God out

and work behind the scenes,

Plotting the future

as if you knew everything,

acting mysterious,

never showing your hand.

You have everything backward!

You treat the potter as a lump of clay.

Does a book say to its author, "He didn't write a word of me"?

Does a meal say to the woman who cooked it, "She had nothing to do with this"?

Whoa. That's some pretty serious stuff--but how true is it? So many people and so many religions are all about works, focused on man-made plans and achievements. We often try to create God in our own images--instead of recognizing that He's the one who made us in His image. We put our faith in our own hands...which isn't really faith at all. Backwards.

Thankfully, there's a solution to this common human error. Here's an excerpt from later in today's text:

God, the Master, The Holy of Israel, has this solemn counsel:

"Your salvation requires you to turn back to me

and stop your silly efforts to save yourselves.

Your strength will come from settling down

in complete dependence

on me—

The very thing you've been unwilling to do..."

Tomorrow: Isaiah 31-35

From black-and-white to brilliant color

Today: Isaiah 23-27

If you've ever watched "The Wizard of Oz," you'll remember the moment when Dorothy opens a door to Oz--and your screen suddenly changed from boring black-and-white to brilliant color.

Becoming a Christian is kind of like that...or like getting glasses for the first time. You start to see in new ways and notice things that you were blinded to before.

In today's passage, there was an excerpt that illustrated this phenomenon. The speaker is talking to God and contrasting the view of God's people compared to others:

Who you are and what you've done

are all we'll ever want.

Through the night my soul longs for you.

Deep from within me my spirit reaches out to you.

When your decisions are on public display,

everyone learns how to live right.

If the wicked are shown grace,

they don't seem to get it.

In the land of right living, they persist in wrong living,

blind to the splendor of God.
You hold your hand up high, God,

but they don't see it.

Open their eyes to what you do,

to see your zealous love for your people...

God, order a peaceful and whole life for us

because everything we've done, you've done for us.

Here are a few of my observations today from this passage:

• God is enough to fill a hungry soul.
  The first part of this excerpt addresses a human need that we actually talked about a few days ago (see "Hunger and wholeness"). Instead of chasing after other people or "stuff" to fill their souls, we can first look to God Himself.
  
• Without God, people can be blind to grace.
  Have you ever heard people say things like, "I never knew what love was until I had a child"?
  
  I think the same experience can happen for people when they first get a glimpse of the grace and pure love of God. There's nothing that could compare to the pure love of God in human flesh dying for you . You don't deserve that kind of love, but there's nothing you can do to make Him love you more or less. There's nothing you can do to earn a ticket to Heaven--that's God's free gift to those who simply believe in Him and accept Him as Savior(see Romans 10:9). It's overwhelming when you really start to get that God loves you that much--that He knows your name and has a plan for your life.
  
• God's the one who opens people's hearts and eyes to His love.
  Some well-intentioned Christians share their faith in God with aggressive, forceful tactics resembling guerrilla marketing. Should Christians be bold with their faith? Yes. But Jesus didn't force His message on people: He loved, cared and served others. God is not a product to be sold. It's Christians' responsibility to love, care and serve people. It's our responsibility to talk about God when we're given the opportunity and prompted by the Holy Spirit. However, it's important to remember that we're the messengers--God's the Savior. He's the one who opens hearts and changes lives.
  
• Christians can impact people through their lives...and recognition of God's transformation.
  The most important message every Christian delivers does not even require words--it's how you live your everyday, ordinary life. When Christians are content, happy and at peace with God and others, we shine. Our lives are a big signal of God's transformational power at work--a practical proof point that He's really doing something in and through us. A key thing to remember? Don't take all the credit--because everything good that we've done, God started, provided for and allowed us to finish.

Tomorrow: Isaiah 28-30

Where do you look first?

Today: Isaiah 18-22

Imagine an airplane inspector who forgot to check the engine before take-off. Picture a tailor who forgets to ask a bride to try on her dress before the wedding day. Envision attending opening night at a new Broadway musical featuring a cast that didn't attend any rehearsals.

Oops!

These major oversights seem absurd, but they pale in comparison to forgetting about God in our day-to-day lives. Take a look at a portion of today's passage--His message to Israelites trying to defend a city:

You assessed your defenses that Day,
inspected your arsenal of weapons in the Forest Armory.
You found the weak places in the city walls that needed repair.
You secured the water supply at the Lower Pool.
You took an inventory of the houses in Jerusalem
and tore down some to get bricks to fortify the city wall.
You built a large cistern to ensure plenty of water.
You looked and looked and looked,
but you never looked to him who gave you this city,
never once consulted the One who has long had plans for this city.

Yikes! God was upset because His people were looking everywhere else but their obvious source: Him! Instead of first looking to God, they tried to find answers all on their own.

It's kind of like Christians who search Craigslist for jobs, but forget to ask God to provide for their needs. It's similar to Christian singles who spend time surfing eHarmony or going on blind dates, but forget to pray for their future spouse. Or it's like people of God who seek every kind of medicine, but forget to consult the Great Physician.

Hear me out--there's nothing wrong with looking for a job on Craigslist, going on a blind date or visiting your doctor. But order matters to God. He does not deserve to be picked last, especially when He's proven Himself as THE all-star in the past. In all your searching, assessing and doing, look to Him first.

Tomorrow: Isaiah 23-27

God, plans and steps

Today: Isaiah 13-17

I'm a planner. Perhaps it's fitting that as part of my day job, I am a project manager. When I plan a product launch or a crisis communication plan or anything...I know that unforeseen obstacles may come up and shift the course of the project. Sometimes I will pad extra time into schedules to account for such events. In some cases, projects are entirely derailed or cancelled--and for good reasons. Things do not always happen as I plan.

In my work, I know this is absolutely true. Yet in my heart and in my day-to-day life, it is hard to swallow. I don't know about you, but I've had a few breathtaking moments where my life has taken unexpected turns for the best. However, I've also had times of frustration where I've hit roadblocks and find myself praying, "Come on, God--I really don't want to be in this place. I was supposed to be doing ABC in my life by now and it just hasn't happened. What's up with that?!?"

In these freak-out moments, I try to remember some of the things I know for sure...like this verse from Proverbs 16:9:

In his heart a man plans his course,
but the LORD determines his steps.

Combine that an excerpt from today's passage:

God-of-the-Angel-Armies has planned it.

Who could ever cancel such plans?

His is the hand that's reached out.

Who could brush it aside?

It's comforting and reassuring for me to know that God has a plan at work for this planet...and a plan at work for every single person on it (including me!). I think God likes us to pray and plan and go after the dreams He's given to us. However, He's the orchestrator of every good thing that happens in our lives. Here are few ideas to consider:

• God brings people together.
  
  God created all the people in this world and has certain relationships in mind for us. I'm not just talking about your husband/wife...but friends, family, mentors and more. Although God brings people together, we have to put effort into building and maintaining healthy relationships.
  
• God brings provision into our lives.
  
  God is the source of all we need--ultimately, He provides our homes, food, jobs, cars, etc. He gave us talents and time, but we often have to take tangible steps to use them. God may have a great job waiting for you, but you may have to first go to school and then apply for it--it's a partnership.
  
• God gives us wisdom.
  
  God hears and answers prayer. I think one of his most favorite prayers to answer? A prayer for wisdom (see Solomon's story for more on that one). God is always willing to give wisdom--but we have to ask for it, look for it and live in it.
  
• God changes us from the inside-out.
  
  I think God is the ultimate Transformer--He can take an ordinary life and shape it into something absolutely incredible. Often, His transformations are from the inside out. When we allow God to change inside things like our thoughts and our desires, our previous plans may shift--because our steps have been re-ordered.

Hunger and wholeness

Today: Isaiah 9-12

It's an absolutely beautiful day in the Pacific Northwest! Yesterday had some dark and rainy moments--but today, the sun has been shining and it's about 78 degrees! When the sun comes out in the Northwest, people genuinely appreciate it. Parks that were empty yesterday now resemble Abercrombie & Fitch ads. Pale people are taking off their shirts and long pants--it ain't always pretty, but they're soaking up the sun while they can. :)

I ventured out to a farmer's market this morning with some friends. Several of my friends brought their young children. I think these moms (both military wives with husbands currently serving somewhere else) deserve medals. Kids are SO, SO cute, but they all have their moments. A few of those moments happened just before lunchtime when the youngest of the crew started screaming at the top of her lungs in the middle of the market. When kids are hungry, they let the world know--and they are not happy until they're satisfied.

At least hungry babies and toddlers can be satisfied with a little bit of food. But have you ever met adults whose souls are hungry--and can't find anything to fill them? Today's passage described them well:

Appetites insatiable,

stuffing and gorging themselves left and right with people and things.

But still they starved.

That seems very sad to me. I've met people who are hungry on the inside and try to fill their lives with a romantic relationship, alcohol, friends, food, material things, sports...you name it. Each of those people and things are not evil (when enjoyed in moderation), but none of them can really satisfy a hungry soul.

That's why I love that this passage provides an answer--it includes some prophetic text about Jesus (if it sounds a little like "A Charlie Brown Christmas," it's because similar verses were repeated in the New Testament when Jesus was born):

For a child has been born—for us!

the gift of a son—for us!

He'll take over the running of the world.

His names will be:

Amazing Counselor,

Strong God,

Eternal Father,

Prince of Wholeness.

His ruling authority will grow,

and there'll be no limits to the wholeness he brings.

He'll rule from the historic David throne over that promised kingdom.

He'll put that kingdom on a firm footing

and keep it going.

With fair dealing and right living,

beginning now and lasting always.

The zeal of God-of-the-Angel-Armies will do all this.

This whole prophesy is amazing, but the idea of Jesus as a "Prince of Wholeness" or "Prince of Peace" is incredibly powerful--especially for people who have insatiable emptiness in their souls. God is enough to fill that emptiness. He brings peace and restoration. When other things and people fail, He heals and satisfies.

Tomorrow: Isaiah 13-17

Will you go?

Today: Isaiah 5-8

What would you do if you heard God's voice...and He personally asked you to represent Him somewhere?

In today's passage, the prophet Isaiah continued to hear God's messages to His people. God was angry and hurt because the people He loved kept disregarding His Word and ignoring Him. They pursued idols and ignored justice. God wasn't happy, but He wanted His people to hear His perspective. He wanted a messenger to connect with the people. Here's how the prophet Isaiah recalled it:

And then I heard the voice of the Master:

"Whom shall I send?

Who will go for us?"

I spoke up,

"I'll go.

Send me!"

This may look like a short and simple paragraph on your computer screen and mine, but the implications behind this brief conversation are absolutely HUGE. Here are a few things I realized:

• Isaiah heard and recognized God's voice.
  
  How did that happen exactly? Here we don't read that God spoke to Isaiah from a burning bush or a donkey (that happened to other people in the Bible, though!). Isaiah heard and recognized God's voice. Was it audible? Or did he hear and recognize God's voice in his spirit?
  
  I don't know for sure in this case, but I do know that recognizing God's voice can be like recognizing the voice of a parent or best friend. You don't need to hear, "Hi--this is Mom," or even see her signature on your birthday card...you just know your mom's voice because whether it's audible or written, it's so familiar to you.
  
  How does that familiarity happen with God? I think it's from knowing what He's said before in His Word and in your life. When you know what He's said before, you get to know His heart and His character--and God's voice is always consistent with His nature.
  
• God wanted to send a person to deliver His message.
  
  I realize this fact is pretty basic, but have you ever wondered why? I mean--God is God, right? He doesn't need anything, especially imperfect people to deliver His message. God's all-powerful. Sometimes, He gets His message out through means other than people (e.g. nature, donkeys, miracles, etc.).
  
  So why did He use Isaiah? And why does He continue to use people today?
  
  I don't know for sure, but I think part of the answer is because He wants to give people an opportunity to serve and to be "in" on His purpose at work. What an awesome responsibility and honor!
  
  Another possibility? Using imperfect people to do His work allows His miraculous power to shine. When God works through people, it's like putting a toddler in the driver's seat of a Ferrari. If the toddler won the Indy 500, it would be pretty obvious to anyone that a miracle happened. Likewise, when people are used for God's purpose, it makes His power even clearer.

I started this post with a few questions, "What would you do if you heard God's voice...and He personally asked you to represent Him somewhere?" You've probably guessed that these questions are a bit of a set-up...because God has already called you and I and asked us to represent Him. You may not be called like Isaiah to speak to a nation, but you could be called to talk with your family about Jesus, to live as an example at your workplace or to share God's love with the homeless in your city.

Will you listen? Will you go? Will you speak?

Tomorrow: Isaiah 9-12

Worship charades

Today: Isaiah 1-4

As much as yesterday's passage was the feel-good and lovey-dovey, today's is the back-to-reality, "tell it like it is" instruction. Isaiah was a prophet. Throughout Scripture, prophets tend to present God's Word in a way that's straight-up honest. It's not always easy or comfortable to read, but it can change us today like it transformed people in past generations.

This part of the passage--about what the Message version refers to as "worship charades" really struck a chord with me. Take a look:

"Quit your worship charades.

I can't stand your trivial religious games:

Monthly conferences, weekly Sabbaths, special meetings—

meetings, meetings, meetings—

I can't stand one more!

Meetings for this, meetings for that.

I hate them!

You've worn me out!

I'm sick of your religion, religion, religion,

while you go right on sinning.

When you put on your next prayer-performance,

I'll be looking the other way.

No matter how long or loud or often you pray,

I'll not be listening.

And do you know why?

Because you've been tearing people to pieces,

and your hands are bloody.

Go home and wash up.

Clean up your act.

Sweep your lives clean of your evildoings

so I don't have to look at them any longer.

Say no to wrong.

Learn to do good.

Work for justice.

Help the down-and-out.

Stand up for the homeless.

Go to bat for the defenseless..."

Wow--I don't think it's possible to get much more straightforward than that. God was calling His people out on their hypocritical actions. They were praising Him with their mouths and even doing some of the right things (going to church, praying, etc.). But it was absolutely disgusting to Him because their hearts were not in the right place.

When we read this passage, I think it's also important to note that "worship charades" can come in various forms--people put on shows of hypocrisy in settings that look humble in nature (e.g. small churches, stark decor, traditional-style worship, etc.) and they put on shows of hypocrisy at megachurches with lasers, bands and dry ice. On the flip side, I believe that genuine worship can also occur at a small, traditional church and at a megachurch service that resembles a rock concert. "Worship charades" are not created by external factors, but by messed-up hearts and motives.

In this passage, I think God was expressing His frustration at people who "just didn't get it." Loving and serving Him is not about putting on a facade of a picture-perfect life--it's about genuinely loving Him and loving others. Meetings, worship and prayer are absolutely meaningless if they are simply done for looks. It's worthless to check a box that virtually says, "I did my Christian duty for the day," while showing a total disregard for heart issues. Charades involve acting. Genuine worship is submitting to God, giving Him honor. It's serving Him and others by living a life of love.

Tomorrow: Isaiah 5-8

My love, my friend

Today: Song of Solomon 1-8

Attention all readers of today's passage: You did not accidentally pick up a Danielle Steele novel with a Fabio look-a-like on the cover. This is not a poem by William Shakespeare. I promise--Song of Solomon is actually part of the Bible.

Or perhaps today's passage didn't sound romantic to you? I'm a pretty sentimental chick myself, but I wouldn't exactly swoon over a guy who compared me to a well-groomed mare, who likened my chest to mountains (um...it's definitely not at sea level, but I'm no Dolly Parton either!) or compared my hair to a flock of goats. Times were different for the writer of Song of Solomon, I guess. :)

I'm joking a little, but this book of the Bible is different. It may seem odd to you after all, there's little mention of God. This is a passionate story of romantic love and it may seem a little steamy for Scripture, right?

However, it's important to remember that God is love. He created men and women to love Him as God, but He also created men and women to love each other...and to love each other as husbands and wives. Although Song of Solomon may appear strange to some, it's a poetic illustration of people who love each other and enjoy life to its fullest (similar to what I wrote about yesterday).

There's a lot in these chapters about physical love and desire, but it was also interesting for me to read about the pride these two lovers had in each other. Here's one quote from the woman:

"Everything about him delights me,

thrills me through and through!

That's my lover, that's my man..."

And one from her guy:

"There's no one like her on earth,

never has been, never will be.

She's a woman beyond compare..."

These two people are unabashedly crazy about each other. While their love is passionate, I think it's interesting that Song of Solomon also portrays their friendship. I thought these Scriptures were absolutely beautiful:

"...You've captured my heart, dear friend.

You looked at me, and I fell in love.

One look my way and I was hopelessly in love!

How beautiful your love, dear, dear friend..."

Most human beings have a desire to be loved this way--we want someone to think we are "beautiful from head to toe" or the handsome guy who "stands above the young men in town." All of us want to experience the deep love of a friend. But finding a true friend who will love you for life as your spouse? That is a miracle. Thankfully, I believe in a God who makes miracles happen every single day. :)

Tomorrow: Isaiah 1-4

Life is not just for living

Today: Ecclesiastes 9-12

Awhile ago, I came to the realization that, "Life is not just for living--it's here for us to love." You'll find that line in my blogs' "About Me" sections because it's something I really take to heart and I think it has several meanings, one of which we read about in today's passage. Take a look:

Seize life!

Eat bread with gusto,

Drink wine with a robust heart.

Oh yes—God takes pleasure in your pleasure!

Dress festively every morning.

Don't skimp on colors and scarves.

Relish life with the spouse you love

Each and every day of your precarious life.

Each day is God's gift.

Life itself is a gift meant to be loved and cherished. I love just being with my family, playing catch with my crazy dog Harley, tasting the first few bites a really great molten lava chocolate cake, laughing like crazy with my friends, and wearing colored high heels that are completely impractical...just because I think they're beautiful.

The second meaning of my self-coined saying? We're not here on this planet just to live life for ourselves--we're here to love God and to love people. God's the One who gives us the gift of this life and eternal life. People make life on this Earth absolutely a pain at times, but also they make it meaningful. Life is nothing without love and love is nothing without some life. It's a beautiful thing. :)

Tomorrow: Song of Solomon 1-8

My secret life as a funeral crasher

Today: Ecclesiastes 5-8

Have I told you about the time I crashed a funeral?

If not, you can read more about that experience below. I remembered it today when I read this part of Ecclesiastes:

You learn more at a funeral than at a feast—

After all, that's where we'll end up.

We might discover something from it.

I certainly did. Memories of a stranger's funeral still stick in my brain more than two and a half years later. Take a look at this:

My secret life as a funeral crasher
(Originally posted on September 6, 2007)

Last week I went to the funeral of a complete stranger. [ In case you're wondering--no, I'm not planning on writing a movie/book called "Funeral Crashers" :) ] My boss and I actually went to support a co-worker who was a very close family friend (the man who died was like a second father to her). Not to sound completely morbid, but it's amazing what you can learn about someone at their funeral.

If you know me, you know I'm not really a crier. That's why it was so strange to find myself completely misty-eyed at a stranger's funeral. It's exactly one week later. And some of the words and themes from this stranger's funeral are still ringing in my head--so I thought I'd share them with you.

"Love outside the lines."

This was the theme of the minister's message, but what probably stands out more were the stories of the man who passed away exemplifying this characteristic--and the stories were really simple. A guy who helped complete strangers move. Who bought softball equipment for kids on the team who couldn't afford it. A guy who loved his neighbors as family. A man who made an event--a BBQ or poker game--just a bit cooler by simply being there and giving respect to those around him.

I don't know if the man who passed away was a Christian...I didn't know him at all (hence the funeral crashing). But his "love outside the lines" expressed a glimpse of God's generous and extravagant love toward people. I hope that I can learn love "love outside the lines" more often--even in the little things.

"10 Reasons to Have Hope"

The deceased man's brother-in-law gave a short reading on "10 Reasons to Have Hope" based on key Scriptures. I wish I had a copy of it ... but it was just a cool reminder that we can always have hope in a God who understands our humanity, walks beside us and has a purpose for our lives.

"It's clear he was loved. But more importantly, he was respected."

These words came during the "open mic" section of the service from a man in the audience. I think they struck me because it was interesting to hear a man talk about another man in his own words. (If you've read the book Love and Respect, you'll know what I mean). The men who spoke of the deceased mentioned his love for his family, but talked more about his integrity, work ethic, insight, character--and the validation they found from him simply as a guy they were proud to call their friend.

"How Great Thou Art"

To close the (VERY traditional) service, we sang "How Great Thou Art." I don't think I have sung that song since high school--I'm much more into modern worship music. But there was something pretty powerful about a gathering of strangers (Christian and not) at a funeral singing "How Great Thou Art," a song that is all about standing in "awesome wonder" of God's greatness and power. At that moment, my tears faded and I stood in gratitude and praise of this God I have the privilege of actually knowing ... the God who loves me ... that I can actually call my friend. The God that continually teaches me new things every single day. Even through a debut as a funeral crasher.

Tomorrow: Ecclesiastes 9-12

The right thing at the right time

Today: Ecclesiastes 1-4

Confession: I may have been a district-level spelling bee champ (fact check: sixth grade winner representing private schools in Washington state), but Ecclesiastes is still a little hard for me. But in the spirit of the book, it doesn't matter anyway, right? :)

I'm joking a little, but the book of Ecclesiastes may seem depressing at moments. It's not exactly sugar-coated comfort to think of your life as not much more than a whiff of smoke, a vapor. But even smoke can smell like a wonderful candle--or burnt hair. A vapor can give you a whiff of perfume, chocolate chip cookies...or a garbage dump.

I do think that the book of Ecclesiastes is great at providing perspective. That annoying job you have at the moment? It probably won't matter in the next 20 years...and it definitely won't matter in the next 100 years. That MAJOR FIGHT you had with your boyfriend/girlfriend? You won't even remember it when you're on your deathbed. The fact that you're rich, poor, single, married, a parent, childless, fat or thin? Doesn't really matter at all in the span of eternity.

Speaking of perspective...this section in particular is great at illustrating the importance of timing (it may look like a Beatles song, but I assure you--they got it from here!):

There's an opportune time to do things,

a right time for everything on the earth:

A right time for birth and another for death,

A right time to plant and another to reap,

A right time to kill and another to heal,

A right time to destroy and another to construct,

A right time to cry and another to laugh,

A right time to lament and another to cheer,

A right time to make love and another to abstain,

A right time to embrace and another to part,

A right time to search and another to count your losses,

A right time to hold on and another to let go,

A right time to rip out and another to mend,

A right time to shut up and another to speak up,

A right time to love and another to hate,

A right time to wage war and another to make peace.

This passage is different from others in illustrating not just what is right, but the importance of when. In other words, it's entirely possible to do the right thing at the wrong time--we should all seek to do the right thing at the right time.

I bet you're thinking "Wow, that sounds nice and all...but how do I know when the right time is happening?" It's not always easy. I think often, we have to pray for God's guidance. We need His wisdom to discern what to do and when to do it. And even when we don't know exactly, we have to walk by faith and ask Him to direct our steps. It's like the phrase, "When God closes a door, He opens a window." I believe that's true...but you and I sometimes have to walk over to the doors and windows and give them a tug.

Tomorrow: Ecclesiastes 5-8

The lesser-known part of Proverbs 31

Today: Proverbs 30-31

Proverbs 31 contains perhaps one of the most talked-about passages in the Bible, particularly at womens' conferences (though I think there are now books and messages about "The Proverbs 31 Man," too!). This famous part of the chapter describes characteristics of a good wife (if you want to read my thoughts about it, check out this old blog post called "The Prov. 31 Woman: Mother Teresa Meets Ivanka Trump?").

I'm not going to write more about that part of the chapter today. Instead, I thought it would be interesting to think and write about the part of Proverbs 31 that precedes it. It's a section labeled "Speak out for Justice." This section records advice given to a man (King Lemuel, to be exact). His mother warned him not go after women who are gold-diggers or promiscuous. She also encouraged him not to get drunk and to stay level-headed. Her key advice for her son the king?

"Speak up for the people who have no voice,

for the rights of all the down-and-outers.

Speak out for justice!

Stand up for the poor and destitute!"

I love this. I love that it encourages leaders to use their voices, power and hands to help those in need. Another thing I find interesting? These are instructions directed to a man (though I think they really apply to anyone). I find that interesting because today, compassion-oriented causes are often driven by female volunteers and leaders. I'm not saying that female leadership is bad or that male leadership is better. But I do wish more men realized that "compassion" causes aren't just women's causes. When we work together--as men and women, as teens and Baby Boomers, as couples and singles--the better we can serve the people who need help from all of us. If you're breathing and you've got a voice (or a laptop or a pen and paper or some influence), use it!

Tomorrow: Ecclesiastes 1-4

Doormats, humility and justice

Today: Proverbs 27-29

While I was reading today's passage, this proverb struck me:

If you let people treat you like a doormat,

you'll be quite forgotten in the end.

Interesting, right?

When I initially read this, I thought it was a bit strange--namely because it could be interpreted as contradictory to other passages or the actions of other Biblical figures. For example, Jesus talked about "turning the other cheek" and personally allowed Himself to be beaten and killed. He was humble...but Jesus was no doormat.

There's a difference between humility and being a doormat. What is it? And why is this proverb so prescriptive in its encouragement to not be forgotten doormats?

To answer the first question, I think it's important to look to examples of humble strength in the Bible. For example, Jesus wasn't a doormat when He overturned merchants' tables in the Temple or when He stood up to men about ready to stone an adulterous woman. With humble strength, He defended honest worship and a human life endangered by judgmental hypocrites.

Other examples of humble strength?

• David chasing the giant Goliath with some stones: He put his life on the line to take a stand for God and his people.
  
• Esther defending the Jews before her husband the king: She stopped a brutal massacre through a combination of submission and courage (which may sound contradictory, but check it out again if you didn't read the book of Esther with me earlier).
  
• Daniel's refusal to pray to a false god: He honored a higher authority (the real God) and through his lions' den experience, showed a king and a nation the power of God's faithful protection.

Arguably, Christ's death wasn't a "doormat" situation at all, but another example of humble strength. Jesus died knowing that His death was for a greater purpose. He submitted to the will of His Father...and simultaneously, revealed His omnipotent power to conquer sin and death for all mankind. There's nothing "doormat" about that!

What's the danger of allowing ourselves to be treated like doormats? At its worst, tolerating this kind of abuse shows a lack of love for ourselves and ultimately, for humanity--God's creation. If we willingly allow our own minds, bodies or spirits to be terrorized for no greater cause, it's a poor example to other people.

The second part of this verse--"you'll be quite forgotten in the end"--is also eye-opening. I don't believe that the Bible teaches us to seek fame or notoriety for our own sake. However, I do believe that sometimes God calls us to be courageous, to walk in the confidence of humble strength. Why? At its best, humble strength brings attention, fame and notoriety to God Himself. Contrary to pride, this kind of courage is not selfish--it rises to take a stand for justice and to help other people, sometimes at great risk to your own safety or ego.

Tomorrow: Proverbs 30-31

Cynics, critics and encouragement

Today: Proverbs 24-26

Today's passage had A TON of insights I could write about, but one pattern I noticed was focused on cynicism, criticism and encouragement.

The highlighted portion of this verse stood out to me:

The person who's always cooking up some evil

soon gets a reputation as prince of rogues.

Fools incubate sin;

cynics desecrate beauty.

Isn't that so true? When we're cynical or critical, we often miss the heart of someone or something else. Think about your best friend, favorite musician or leader--the odds are, that person has been criticized...perhaps for the characteristics that make them absolutely amazing in your eyes.

I thought this verse was also enlightening:

Don't jump to conclusions—

there may be a perfectly good explanation for what you just saw.

How many of us need that reminder often? Sometimes we are cynical or critical about things we just don't understand. We could be missing some major factors that, if we knew them, would lead us to a totally different judgment call.

Is it ever appropriate to critique someone else? Yes--but instead of critique or even "constructive criticism," I'd argue that we should offer encouragement to others...we should encourage them to be the people God has called them to be in a way that's challenging, but inspiring and filled with love. Take a look at these verses:

The right word at the right time

is like a custom-made piece of jewelry,

And a wise friend's timely reprimand

is like a gold ring slipped on your finger.

Patient persistence pierces through indifference;

gentle speech breaks down rigid defenses.

I don't know about you, but I've had few moments in life where I would compare a reprimand to a gold ring on my finger. That means that the reprimand didn't feel like a reprimand. These kinds of critiques come from people who actually like us. They are very valuable gifts that make us better...which is why I prefer to label such reprimands as encouragement. (Sidenote: This may sound ridiculous, but I almost picture a person asking for this kind of critique by singing a tweaked version of Beyonce's "Single Ladies" song..."If you like it, then should have put a ring on it.") :)

The point? Encouraging critique has its place. Cynicism doesn't. Dare to see and encourage the beauty and heart in others.

Related post: This is an old blog post I wrote a few years ago on a similar topic and I thought you might enjoy it. Read "The Critics' Corner."

Tomorrow: Proverbs 27-29

Dragon training and lion chasing

Today: Proverbs 22-23

Last week I was hanging out in my living room with my sister. She was typing on her laptop.

"What are you working on?" I asked.

"A dragon training presentation," she replied.

"What?!?" I asked,"That sounds pretty intense!"

She smiled and explained that the course is about a software program called Dragon--and that no firefighters would be required to be present (darn!).

While the idea of dragon training sounded a bit odd to me, in the Bible, there were people who braved similar tasks. There were people who literally chased lions or killed giants, for example. Perhaps it's because of last week's conversation with my sister, but these two lines from today's chapters caught my attention:

The loafer says, "There's a lion on the loose!
If I go out I'll be eaten alive!"

Kind of weird, right?

As I read these lines over and thought about their meaning, a few possibilities came to mind:

• First, I think it could be saying, "Don't be a lazy person content to let big challenges or enemies run wild--get up and tackle them."
  
• Another possible interpretation? "Lazy people sometimes allow fear to run their lives." Is there really a lion on the loose? How do we know that the lazy loafer even looked outside or saw anything?
  
• The third possibility is a mix of the first two--"Fear can cloud reality and turn crazy cats into lions on the loose." Maybe the lazy person saw something, but because of fear, she turned a crazy cat into a "lion on the loose."

A few other observations?

• The lion was described as "on the loose"...which means it could symbolize something that is dangerous to other people. The lazy loafer is content to stay comfortable while a deadly predator could attack his neighbors. This strikes me as not only fearful, but selfish.
  
• The lazy loafer has no faith--she automatically jumps to, "If I go out, I'll be eaten alive!" rather than praying, planning a strategy, partnering with other people to capture the lion...you get my point.

I don't know if any of these possibilities are right...and maybe all of them are correct to some extent. I think the main point is that sometimes, you and I may be called to chase lions--to protect the innocent, to conquer fear and/or to trust God to help us face challenges directly.

Next up: Dragon training. Can I bring a firefighter? :)

Tomorrow: Proverbs 24-26

Stupid is as stupid does

Today: Proverbs 19-21

I'll admit that I'm not a fan of the word "stupid." I think it's often misplaced in its usage. But one place that gets it right? The Bible, of course. Take a look at this portion of today's passage:

People ruin their lives by their own stupidity,

so why does God always get blamed?

Ouch! It's like a Biblical extension of Forrest Gump's "Stupid is as stupid does" saying--meaning that stupidity is revealed and defined by a person's actions, not an IQ test. What are some of the stupid things people do to ruin their own lives?

If we look at the context of this passage, there are a few stupid actions mentioned. Here are a few I noticed:

• Dishonesty
• Gossip
• Nagging
• Talking without anything valuable to say
• Laziness
• A quick temper
• Hard-hearted stubbornness
• Not listening to others (particularly, wise counsel)
  

Hmm...I've definitely done some of the things on this list (well okay, all of them at some point!). Yikes!

The flip side of this passage? You and I don't have to act stupid. With God's help, we can make better choices (and recognize our mistakes and ask for forgiveness when we mess up). We can choose to be honest even if it doesn't seem easy or beneficial to us. We can choose to be quiet and avoid the temptation of the rumor mill. We can work harder and smarter. We can keep quiet...especially when our minds or our emotions are not in the right place. We can listen and learn.

Like stupidity, wisdom is defined by actions ("Wisdom is as wisdom does"?). Let's avoid blaming God for our mistakes and instead, asking for His wisdom to guide our steps.

Tomorrow: Proverbs 22-23