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

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.

Beauty and the might

Today: Psalm 96-102

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

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

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

God made the heavens—

Royal splendor radiates from him,

A powerful beauty sets him apart.

Bravo, God, Bravo!

Everyone join in the great shout: Encore!

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

Bring gifts and celebrate,

Bow before the beauty of God,

Then to your knees—everyone worship!

Get out the message—God Rules!

He put the world on a firm foundation;

He treats everyone fair and square.

Let's hear it from Sky,

With Earth joining in,

And a huge round of applause from Sea.

Let Wilderness turn cartwheels,

Animals, come dance,

Put every tree of the forest in the choir—

An extravaganza before God as he comes,

As he comes to set everything right on earth,

Set everything right, treat everyone fair.

Tomorrow: Psalm 103-105