Grapes (and grace) under pressure

Today: Daniel 10-12

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

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

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

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

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

corrupting them even further with his seductive talk,

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

will teach the crowds right from wrong by their example.

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

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

When the testing is intense,

they'll get some help,

but not much.

Many of the helpers will be halfhearted at best.

The testing will refine, cleanse, and purify

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

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

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

Tomorrow: Hosea 1-7

But I'm a good person...

Today: Ezekiel 31-33

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

I have.

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

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

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

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

when he decides to rebel,

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

from repenting of his rebellion.

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

It's true

that I tell good people,

"Live! Be alive!"

But if they trust in their good deeds

and turn to evil,

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

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

"You'll die for your wicked life,"

and he repents of his sin

and starts living a righteous and just life—

being generous to the down-and-out,

restoring what he had stolen,

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

he'll live.

He won't die.

None of his sins will be kept on the books.

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

He'll live.
"'Your people say,

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

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

When good people turn back from living good lives

and plunge into sin,

they'll die for it.

And when a wicked person turns away from his wicked life

and starts living a just and righteous life,

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

We'll see,

Israel.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Tomorrow: Ezekiel 34-36

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

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

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

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

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

Today: 2 Chronicles 32-34

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

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

Now that he was in trouble,

he went to his knees in prayer asking for help—

total repentance before the God of his ancestors.

As he prayed, God was touched;

God listened and brought him back to Jerusalem as king.

That convinced Manasseh that God was in control.

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

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

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

Tomorrow: 2 Chronicles 35-36

Because of who You are

Today: 2 Samuel 4-7

Here's one incredible thing about God: He always gives us more than we deserve. That's the amazing thing called grace.

Toward the end of today's passage, David prayed something that struck me (see bold text below). Sometimes our views of God are limited--He isn't just loving, He is love--and that love is evident in everything that pours out of His heart. Take a look:

King David went in, took his place before God, and prayed:

"Who am I, my Master God, and what is my family,

that you have brought me to this place in life?

But that's nothing compared to what's coming,

for you've also spoken of my family far into the future,

given me a glimpse into tomorrow, my Master God!

What can I possibly say in the face of all this?

You know me, Master God,

just as I am.

You've done all this not because of who I am

but because of who you are—

out of your very heart!—

but you've let me in on it.
"This is what makes you so great, Master God!

There is none like you,

no God but you,

nothing to compare with what we've heard with our own ears..."

Another part of the text that struck me? David's words "but you've let me in on it." How is it that people like David, you or me get to be part of God's plan? How is it that we get to know about Him or the things He's doing?

Once again, it's that amazing thing called grace. To quote Will Ferrell? Mindbottling. :) (Or if you're a word nerd like me, "mindboggling.") Wow!

Tomorrow: 2 Samuel 8-12

Here's your sign...

Today: Judges 6-7

Signs. They're all around us--everything from "STOP" to "Do not disturb" and "Yield." Some people won't do anything without a sign--they have to read the directions or a goofy horoscope to plan their lives. Some people are in constant state of waiting for signs from God. To be totally honest, I wouldn't care if God smacked my Mr. Right in the face and said, "Dude! Wake up! Don't you get that she's pretty stinkin' amazing inside and out?!?" (Yeah, sometimes God talks surfer-style.) :)

Signs can definitely be helpful. However, I think sometimes we totally miss them...or use them as an excuse to avoid action. (Case in point: If my Mr. Right is waiting for an actual smackdown and surfer chat with God, then he may never get the chance to even date me.)

In today's passage, we read about Gideon. (Sigh.) Gideon was an amazing guy...but he was definitely sign-dependent. Let's review Gideon's first conversation with God:

The angel of God appeared to him and said,
"God is with you, O mighty warrior!"

Gideon replied, "With me, my master?
If God is with us, why has all this happened to us?
Where are all the miracle-wonders
our parents and grandparents told us about, telling us,
'Didn't God deliver us from Egypt?'
The fact is, God has nothing to do with us—
he has turned us over to Midian."

But God faced him directly:
"Go in this strength that is yours.
Save Israel from Midian. Haven't I just sent you?"

Gideon said to him,

"Me, my master? How and with what could I ever save Israel?
Look at me. My clan's the weakest in Manasseh and I'm the runt of the litter."

God said to him, "I'll be with you.
Believe me, you'll defeat Midian as one man."

Gideon said, "If you're serious about this, do me a favor:
Give me a sign to back up what you're telling me..."

Interesting stuff. Gideon kept talking to God and asking Him for signs and wonders...without acknowledging the amazing fact that God was talking to him and promising to be with him! Wasn't that a sign in itself? Shouldn't it have inspired Gideon's wonder?

It's a good thing for Gideon that I'm not God. I might have given him a smackdown (and surfer talk to top it off!). The real God was amazingly patient and loving. I love His words to Gideon, "Go in the strength that is yours." God didn't want Gideon to downplay his own strength--or the fact that God would be with him. (Sound familiar? Check out yesterday's passage and post about another warrior named Barak.) God in His amazing grace also gave Gideon all the signs he asked for...and an extra bonus sign he didn't even request (Judges 7:13-15).

It's almost as if God was saying to Gideon (and to us), "Here's your sign...are you paying attention?"

P.S. BONUS! I found this old blog post I wrote a few years ago that also touches on Gideon's story...and thought you might enjoy. (See: "Hi. It's me--God. Are you listening?")

Tomorrow: Judges 8-9

Missing the Promise

Today: Numbers 18-20

Some of the most tragic stories are those of people who get inches away from their dreams...and just barely miss. Why does that happen? Sometimes, there's no way to explain it. And other times--perhaps the most tragic--it's because of one bad choice.

In today's passage, we read such a tragic story: why Moses and Aaron missed out on the Promised Land. Here's what it said:

God spoke to Moses: "Take the staff.

Assemble the community, you and your brother Aaron.

Speak to that rock that's right in front of them and it will give water.

You will bring water out of the rock for them;

congregation and cattle will both drink."
Moses took the staff away from God's presence, as commanded.

He and Aaron rounded up the whole congregation in front of the rock.

Moses spoke: "Listen, rebels! Do we have to bring water out of this rock for you?"
With that Moses raised his arm and slammed his staff against the rock—once, twice. Water poured out. Congregation and cattle drank.
God said to Moses and Aaron,

"Because you didn't trust me,

didn't treat me with holy reverence in front of the People of Israel,

you two aren't going to lead this company into the land that I am giving them."

This story is fairly short. We don't get to read much about what happened. But I think there may have been a few reasons why God's punishment for Moses and Aaron was so severe. Here are my guesses:

1. At a very basic level, they disobeyed. They didn't speak to the rock--Moses slammed his staff into the rock to get the water.

2. Moses acted out of anger toward the people, allowing his emotions to overtake God's graciousness toward them.

3. Moses took credit. He said, "...Do we have to bring water out of this rock for you?" That's A LOT different than, "God has shown mercy and will provide water for you, just as He continually provides for all your needs." By taking the credit and acting out of anger, Moses showed a lack of trust in God's provision, God's wisdom and God's sovereignty to govern His people.

Those are my guesses...but my thinking isn't God's thinking, either. I imagine that perhaps God was disappointed in His two strongest leaders who, after knowing Him and serving Him many years still didn't "quite get it." At the time, Moses and Aaron were acting as God's voice to His people...but in this situation, they chose to use their own voices. They missed the Promised Land because they missed the point--listening to God and leading His way--by giving undeserved and unmerited favor (grace) to others.

Tomorrow: Numbers 21-22

Readiness to give and forgive

Today: Titus-Philemon

Today's passage felt a bit short to me (I don't know about you...), but it was packed with a lot of great messages.

The one that stood out to me was Paul's message to Titus about God's gift of salvation. Here's what it says:

God's readiness to give and forgive is now public.

Salvation's available for everyone!

We're being shown how to turn our backs on a godless, indulgent life,

and how to take on a God-filled, God-honoring life.

I loved how Paul described salvation as proof of God's heart to give and forgive...everyone who accepts it. Wow.

So many people struggle with having a readiness to give--if left to our own devices, we might stick to our two-year old attitudes, whining, "MINE!!!" We might hoard things or obsess about finding the next big gadget or fashion. We might neglect caring for the poor or even our own family members (biological or spiritual) in need. We might live in fear--afraid to give of our time, money or talent because we're "too busy," "not rich," or "not good enough."

Similarly, many people struggle with the ability to forgive...other people or themselves. They can't let go of past hurts, anger or resentment. Instead, they build up walls of "protection"--that ultimately block them from knowing what it is to be really loved or love someone else in return.

God is completely different. He gave Himself and His very life for all of us--for you and me...for Mother Teresa and Dr. Martin Luther King...and for Hitler and Osama bin Laden. And he's willing to forgive all of us, too. I can't even imagine looking with kindness toward someone like a Hitler let alone loving them. But God did. And if anyone of us (yes, Osama, too) asks for God's forgiveness, He's willing to give it.

That seems totally absurd for me to even write. Crazy. It's extreme...but that's how much God wants to give and forgive.

God doesn't categorize sin or goodness like we do--all human beings are sinners in need of a Savior, all who accept the gift of salvation are saved, and everyone (saved and unsaved) is LOVED equally.

Another interesting thing? Those who want to really follow God should adopt a similar pattern--having a heart that's quick to give and forgive.

Love on the line

Today: Romans 4-7

"Attention! Attention, all associates!" a voice on the intercom blared in my office today. "Do not leave the building at this time. The police department has also asked that you back away from the windows facing the street. An investigation is actively underway. We will provide more information as soon as possible."

Of course, most of us had already looked out the windows before this announcement to see police blockading several streets with their large guns in tow, apprehending a suspect and containing a parking lot with a suspicious backpack. We watched Wall-E-like robots move and prod it. And we definitely heard the, "BOOM!" as the bomb squad proactively detonated the backpack (which didn't have a bomb by the way...I probably wouldn't be here writing this now if it did!).

It was amazing for me to see what the police and firefighters do to put their lives on the line...for hundreds of strangers.

In today's passage, Paul talks to the Romans about how God put His life and love on the line for all of us:

We can understand someone dying

for a person worth dying for,

and we can understand

how someone good and noble

could inspire us to selfless sacrifice.

But God put his love on the line

for us

by offering his Son

in sacrificial death

while we were

of no use whatever

to him.

That's pretty amazing, isn't it? The police and firefighters who protected my city today put their lives on the line for me. But they didn't put their love on the line, too. But God was willing to risk both His Son, His life--and His heart--for me (and you...and everyone in the whole world, too!).

Here's another way Paul explains it:

...sin didn't, and doesn't,

have a chance

in competition

with the aggressive forgiveness

we call grace.

When it's sin versus grace,

grace wins

hands down.

All sin can do is threaten us with death,

and that's the end of it.

Grace,

because God is putting everything together again

through the Messiah,

invites us into

life—

a life that goes on and on and on,

world without end.

The description of grace as "aggressive forgiveness" floors me. In the words of my favorite celeb stylist, Rachel Zoe, it's OOC (out of control!). That's what love on the line is all about. It's the "all in" bet where God threw Himself, eternal life and heaven into the pot. It's more mind-boggling than trying to count all the stars or really understand time, space and gravity. It's a promise that's backed up with the evidence of sacrifice.

Tomorrow: Romans 8-10