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God don’t need no guns.

Reading Time: 3 minutes

“So a message was sent to the king of Assyria: “The people you have sent to live in the towns of Samaria do not know the religious customs of the God of the land. He has sent lions among them to destroy them because they have not worshiped him correctly.” ‭‭2 Kings‬ ‭17‬:‭26‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Yeah, God sent lions! I’ve been thinking about how God led His people in the Old Testament and how God warns and corrects His own people as well as every powerful leader of the ancient world.

When we think about God leading it might seem that He does so gently, even subtly. Truth is, God led Israel, coming out of Egypt, with two of the most powerful destructive forces on Earth. Of the basic elements of nature: earth, air, fire, and water. God used wind and fire to lead His people and water to judge the Egyptians. Even in modern times, even if humankind has mastered both sea and sky, we still fear wind, water and fire! Does God still use these elements to judge?

In the Old Testament, I’ve read about giant holes that swallow complainers and dissidents. I’ve read about bears that devour young mockers. I’ve read about the big ten extraordinarily miserable plagues to push Pharaoh into doing right. And, sure there have been amazing stories of other wild beasts mentioned, like whales, leviathans, dogs, lions and bears – even a talking donkey (not played by Eddie Murphy). All the while, I never noticed that God sent lions to eat people because of disobedience! It made me think of the 1996 movie called, “The Ghost and the Darkness,” where Val Kilmer and Michael Douglas were hired to kill a pair of Tsavo man-eaters, during the building of the Uganda-Mombasa Railway in East Africa in 1898.

God sent several lion prides to bring judgment and send a strong message to the Assyrian king – “I’ve let you capture my people and even allowed you to have other nations live among them – but they better not mess with the way I have commanded my people to worship me!” What! God is wild and will not be tamed, and there are things He just will not tolerate. Who’s really in control? This powerful king of Assyria, Shalmaneser V, would find out who is really in charge of all the affairs on this dark third planet from the sun.

With all the forces of the earth at God’s disposal, He doesn’t need men, guns, missiles or drones. One little 6.0 tremor in Afghanistan resulted in a death toll of over 2,205 people, with thousands more injured. I’m not saying it was God’s judgement. I wouldn’t pretend to assume to know the why behind any loss of life. But talk about the raw power God has at his disposal. Any of us, any world leader who thinks they have full authority and power to rule as they please is just delusional! God was merciful enough to warn Shalmaneser and the king responded accordingly. “The king of Assyria then commanded, “Send one of the exiled priests back to Samaria. Let him live there and teach the new residents the religious customs of the God of the land.” So one of the priests who had been exiled from Samaria returned to Bethel and taught the new residents how to worship the Lord.” 2 Kings‬ ‭17‬:‭27‬-‭28‬. Oh how funny Shalmaneser was, “the God of the land…” He is God of ALL lands! The “new” residents brought in the most detestable, wicked behaviors – “the people from Sepharvaim even burned their own children as sacrifices to their gods Adrammelech and Anammelech,” God had warned and set the Assyrian king and His own people straight on who is really in charge!

Prayer

It is still very surprising to me that even a quick summary reading of who you are wouldn’t put some fear or respect in the hearts and mind of folks here on earth. So many have really done well at fooling themselves into believing you don’t even exist, let alone are the just judge of all the earth and all human affairs on the planet. Their biggest error is they think they have gotten away with it – mistaking both mercy and your providential purposes for proof that they are untouchable. I am just thankful that I know you and belong to you. Even in my sin, I would never be so arrogant to pretend you would let me get away anything contrary to Your Word! Thank you for grace. And may those who seek you find mercy and yield to Your will.

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Afraid to ask?

Reading Time: 3 minutes

“While everyone was marveling at everything he was doing, Jesus said to his disciples, “Listen to me and remember what I say. The Son of Man is going to be betrayed into the hands of his enemies.” But they didn’t know what he meant. Its significance was hidden from them, so they couldn’t understand it, and they were afraid to ask him about it.” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭9‬:‭43‬b-‭45‬ ‭NLT‬‬

There are so many hard things to understand throughout the scriptures. I am constantly reminded that God’s ways and thoughts are above mine. Meaning, my lens will be blurred until Jesus clears it in heaven. But even then, God will still forever be beyond our thoughts.

The irony of Luke’s observations are worth noting, when we may ponder, “why couldn’t the disciples just see it!” Luke writes, “While everyone was marveling…” Miracles were happening all around them. The amazing outdoor picnic where Jesus feeds 5000 families. The mountaintop chat with Moses and Elijah. The expulsion of a demon out of a child. The disciples minds were constantly being blown away in awe and wonder. Luke writes, at the “megaleios,” majesty of God!

Then Jesus tells them, “I’m going to be betrayed and handed over.” Like falling down a flight of stairs, looking up and wondering how you’re still alive – the disciples minds were instantly tied into tiny knots! What just happened? What changed? And, why now? They had no idea what Jesus was talking about. Their lives, their future now clear as mud.

Luke remarked, “it was purposely “parakaluptó” veiled.” This tumultuous twister of events, these whiplash moments left them “phobeó” full of fear. Have you felt frozen by the chaotic changes around you? This fear left them unable to ask Jesus, “what are you talking about… what is happening right now?” Fear of uncertainty is paralyzing. And we desperately want to ask the questions of clarity! Yet, we don’t know what, who or how to ask. We’re stuck and it’s painfully debilitating. What do we do when we are stuck, afraid and uncertain?

Our only choice is to focus on what we do know and move our hearts towards trusting God who knows all. When we can’t see, don’t understand and feel trapped by fear, it’s not questions that will help us, it’s declaration of who will help us. Sure, we can and should ask God, ask trusted friends and family. But it is likely there will not be any clear answers because of the way things have to unfold. Jesus told them he was going to die. But the how, when, where and who would have to wait within the sequence of time that God had ordained to take place. From our perspective, our lens, things will not make any sense! Oh, what strange fantasies take place when folks try to explain the unexplainable of the future! The only smart choice is not to guess, worry or stay frozen in fear, but to trust and obey God who knows all things and makes all things work out well.

The disciples, staying close to Jesus, found out what God was up to as He unfolded the events just as they needed to be. I think most folks think they want to know their future. It’s sad to see people dabble in darkness with palm readers, seances, tea leaves, horoscopes and wiccan practices. God has definitely shown some people their future, but I’ve seen it drive em a little crazy still not knowing the details. I knew what God called me to as a teenager, but there was no way that alone was going to predict the different assignments within that calling that God had for me. Honestly… I’m glad He didn’t show me! God knows, so it means I need to stay close to Him no matter what. This makes Paul’s words in Romans 8:28 so powerful in times of chaos, confusion or conflict. “And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.”

Prayer

​Dad,
This whole dynamic of wanting to know, wanting to understand and make sense out of the things that happen in life compared to trusting you is tough. You created us to be solvers and fixers so it comes with this tension. I’m pretty sure it all has to do with faith. Trusting you above and beyond what we see, feel or experience. I also know that sin plays a huge role in our fears and doubts. Your redemption means that we can have Your peace even in difficult times of waiting or silence. Thank you for your mercy and patience as we learn to depend on you.

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Disciplinary Invasions?

Reading Time: 2 minutes

”When the Lord saw their change of heart, he gave this message to Shemaiah: “Since the people have humbled themselves, I will not completely destroy them and will soon give them some relief. I will not use Shishak to pour out my anger on Jerusalem. But they will become his subjects, so they will know the difference between serving me and serving earthly rulers.” ‭‭2 Chronicles‬ ‭12‬:‭7‬-‭8‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Is it just me or do you also see God consistently using other nations, ungodly nations, to punish Israel when they step out on God. Chronicles tells us, “But when Rehoboam was firmly established and strong, he abandoned the Law of the Lord, and all Israel followed him in this sin. Because they were unfaithful to the Lord, King Shishak of Egypt came up and attacked Jerusalem in the fifth year of King Rehoboam’s reign” ‭‭(2 Chronicles‬ ‭12‬:‭1‬-‭2‬).

How often was this pattern repeated? Six times in the period of the Judges, four times in the period of the monarchy and several smaller skirmishes throughout the Old Testament.

So, do we, should we, view modern day wars, invasions or terrorist attacks in the same light? Given the fact that Jesus’ death and resurrection, was a defining redemption moment, does that change the way God uses one nation or group to discipline other nations? Sounds dark and morbid, but I am curious.

There are a few who have preached or written about this idea, but each one admits, unlike in the Old Testament, we lack clear prophetic insight today. It makes speculation very dangerous, highly controversial and often condemned as insensitive. I find many of the patterns and purposes of God, that are clearly His hand at work, are very difficult to carry into the New Testament and into today’s modern times. In fact, many of the known travesties, like Herod’s slaughter of the infants in Bethlehem (Matthew 2:16–18, tied to Jeremiah 31:15) shows how prophecy can foretell events without those events being God’s disciplinary act toward Israel as a nation.

In fact, most modern wars, even genocides, are more about human evil within God’s sovereignty! Which is even more difficult to understand. Jesus told us that end times would include suffering, but it has nothing to do with covenant judgment. In other words: Not every foretold calamity equals discipline.

So when I see unfathomable local and global chaos. When I see increasingly rampant disregard for law, order, civility and peace, I cannot just assign these signs to being disciplined or punished. I must reconcile these times as prophetic – indicating the reminder of end times as Jesus told us. It would be a part of this world’s end. One thing is for sure and is trustworthy to build our lives on. God is ALWAYS right, true and just in all things. That is why I trust in God, my savior!

Prayer

Dad,
These Old Testament stories help me take a much deeper, much broader view of how you are working to bring about the reconciliation and redemption of our world. The common link of making sense out of discipline verses self-afflicted sin, seems to be a warning. The more we try to move away from you, in both law and grace, the more we will determine to selfishly choose evil over truth. Come quickly Lord Jesus!

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Timing is everything.

Reading Time: 2 minutes

“Jesus warned his disciples not to tell anyone who he was. “The Son of Man must suffer many terrible things,” he said. “He will be rejected by the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law. He will be killed, but on the third day he will be raised from the dead.” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭9‬:‭21‬-‭22‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The gospels are filled with Jesus performing miracles. Yet Jesus often would tell people, “don’t tell anyone.” It’s commonly called the “Messianic Secret.” Isn’t the best part of experiencing a miracle talking about it?

Here in Luke 9, but also in Matthew 16:20 and Mark 8:30, Jesus reveals who he is and what will happen to himself in the near future. I believe these “concealments” have everything to do with timing! If you’ve been walking with Jesus for a while, you begin to see the miracle of the moment. You realize the extraordinary odds of timing as you meet someone, talk with someone or having a note, text or call just happen to take place exactly at the moment of need. All the miracles in the Bible are surrounded by these timely events that must take place in supernatural order. It becomes obvious that these moments are not coincidental, but providential! God orchestrates the most complex timing of events down to the perfect minute. Like Jesus meeting the local samaritan women at the well, outside of town, at noon. That is a precise appointment. And, it took place with Jesus, the disciples and the woman all walking to meet at that moment.

John’s gospel gives us clear hints about why Jesus wanted people not to talk about these experiences so openly. John tells us Jesus said, this phrase several times – my “hour has not yet come” (John 2:4; 7:6, 8, 30). Combined with this perceived secrecy, we have Jesus telling us there is an order to what God is doing. As leaders, we look at principles of momentum and mass, capacity and clarity, but Jesus lives by this “for such a time as this” mindset.

Paul used this beautiful phrase, “the fullness of time.” Wow – isn’t that a deep thought. How can time be full? God is outside of time and his omniscience means that everything is now. There is no then or when! But, Jesus being fully God and fully man, lived within the context of time, where being led by the Spirit of God would pinpoint the accuracy of a miracle moment with perfect precision.

What does mean for us? It means that we can both experience the miracles of God’s moments as well as yield to the Spirit of God to PARTICIPATE in these moments. Have you ever felt like God was doing something supernatural but it just hasn’t happened yet? We cannot step out of time, but we can absolutely step into quick obedience when God directs us to go or speak, wait or pray.

Prayer

​Dad,
It is such a mystery to know that your thoughts are above mine and your ways are beyond my comprehension! Yet, we experience these miraculous moments and you invite us into partnership to be used in them as well. May my faith and courage to be obedient grow like the Apostle Paul said to “take every opportunity,” to see you at work in our lives and other’s lives too. Thank for inviting us to not only walk with you but also work with you in Your Kingdom. That it would be done on earth as it is in heaven!

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Unprecedented Peace

Reading Time: 2 minutes

“The Lord will mediate between nations and will settle international disputes. They will hammer their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will no longer fight against nation, nor train for war anymore.” ‭‭Isaiah‬ ‭2‬:‭4‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Isaiah, writing out God’s prophecies close to 3000 years ago, tells of a future moment where there will be peace among the nations. Scanning the history of the planet over eons of time, this kind of peace would have to be supernatural. Doing a quick search, it seems that historians believe there were some brief couple of centuries of peace. Of course they declared it peaceful because of a few massive global powers that used force to keep it. The first was Rome’s “Pax Romana,” spanning 207 years. There is great book by Tom Holland, called Dominion. Tom believes that Rome was obsessed with law and justice, even to the point of inventing the most hideous means of torture unto death. This sent a message that theft, violence and uprisings would not be tolerated. Crucifixion was perfected by the Romans. In their quest for peace and paradise, they were manipulated into crucifying Christ, who was not only innocent, but he is perfect in all his ways. The second is called “Pax Mongolica” spanning the 13th and 14th centuries. Some would add a third period called, “Pax Britannica,” where British Empire created a 100 year pocket of peace across the globe. All in all, a few hundred years over thousands of years of war, is not much peace. And, none of it was able to last.

Isaiah writes about a peace that will eventually rule and reign from God himself. Isaiah speaks of God’s holy mountain, Jerusalem as the capital of this global peace. We know this has to be futuristic, because Jerusalem has been known for anything but peace. As a global glimmer of hope, Isaiah declares that God will rule and reign over all the earth in all things. Of course God is completely in control of all things and has always been so before creation and time itself. But, God gives free will for humans to govern themselves until the end of days. This is when all things have come to the end, when all things are judged and will come to light. God will bring this unprecedented peace and mediate between nations Himself. No more wars, no more infighting, no more training or preparation for war. God’s peace will rule.

Prayer

​Dad,
With all the wars and rumors of wars there has been a resurgence of fear and hope that the end may be near. In my lifetime, we have not experienced a global war, but there have been conflicts, skirmishes and terrorist attacks around the world. The world is now filled with angry, violent people who spend their time in riots and protests, giving a sense of lawlessness. Peace has been evasive for quite some time. We long for your justice, your judgement, to make all things right. Humankind is not capable of making sustainable peace. We need you!

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The dilemma of suffering.

Reading Time: 3 minutes

“Why do the wicked prosper, growing old and powerful? They live to see their children grow up and settle down, and they enjoy their grandchildren. Their homes are safe from every fear, and God does not punish them.” ‭‭Job‬ ‭21‬:‭7‬-‭9‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Even with all that had happened to Job – immense loss and excruciating physical anomalies, he somehow held onto his quick wit. This chapter opens with Job wanting to talk to his friends, getting a word in edgewise, because when we are not in pain ourselves, we are just full of unhelpful opinions! Job tells his “comforters,” LISTEN TO ME. It’s the least you can do, “Listen closely to what I am saying. That’s one consolation you can give me. Bear with me, and let me speak. After I have spoken, you may resume mocking me.” ‭‭Job‬ ‭21‬:‭2‬-‭3‬ 🤣🤣🤣.

Job asks the question we all want the answer to, but God will not give it!

WHY?

Sure… why suffering?

But it’s far more than that. Because we are completely and obsessively comparative to others, we want to know about the sense of inequity, the fairness of it all.

Why ME, as opposed to why YOU?

I’ll just say it, “you’ve got to be worse than me, come on admit it!”

Ok, ok, ok – clearly I know I’m not perfect, but there has got to be someone worse than me out there. God… go bless them with suffering.

Job asks a fair, reasonable question, given the limited perspective we have about EVERYTHING. Why do the wicked prosper? Job lists all the incongruities and inconsistencies about suffering. Their livestock breed like rabbits, the kids hop about without a care in the world. They skip, dance and sing with innocent abandonment. Isn’t wealth supposed to be a curse? Aren’t they supposed to be miserable in their miser ways? (I added those last two). The wicked mock God and declare their independence from Him in every way. Plus, they truly believe they made all of it happen by themselves!

Job vomits out his frustration with unfiltered angst. “One person dies in prosperity, completely comfortable and secure, the picture of good health, vigorous and fit. Another person dies in bitter poverty, never having tasted the good life. But both are buried in the same dust, both eaten by the same maggots.” Job‬ ‭21‬:‭23‬-‭26‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Job ends this chapter with a clap-back, “Thanks buds, I appreciate all your advice coming from seats of safety.” He writes, “How can your empty clichés comfort me? All your explanations are lies!” ‭‭Job‬ ‭21‬:‭34‬.

Wow! Job describes his (and our) dilemma but laying out the only thing he can figure out – you’ll find no justice in suffering! In fact, from our angle, our view, our experiences, we only see senselessness. If we think we can find the answer to the disparity of suffering in Job, we will be sorely disappointed. Suffering exists because of our own sin, which results in brokenness. But about the equal distribution of suffering? We just do not know. Only God knows. What we do know and can trust about God knowing all things: He is always right, true and just. Everything – EVERYTHING – He has done, does today and will do tomorrow is forever PERFECT. So we can try to pass the quiz God gave Job in chapters 38 & 39, which I guarantee you will fail. Or, we can have faith and trust the creator of all things, who does all things well. Simple, right?

Prayer

​Dad,
Whew. Every once in a while I get it in my head that I want to know things! Or, even funnier, that I want to control things. My thirst for knowledge of things and my curiosities feel so arrogant and foolish when I read Job. Job’s story helps me not only to be self aware in my lack of wisdom and understanding. It also helps me self correct my thoughts and opinions when going through suffering or being a good friend to someone who is going through suffering. You are so good God! I see it in the ancient text. I feel it in my spirit. Your love and mercy, your justice and goodness are more appreciated and apparent when suffering comes into my view. Thank You!

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Three moments of faith in mission.

Reading Time: 4 minutes

“One day Jesus called together his twelve disciples and gave them power and authority to cast out all demons and to heal all diseases. Then he sent them out to tell everyone about the Kingdom of God and to heal the sick. “Take nothing for your journey,” he instructed them. “Don’t take a walking stick, a traveler’s bag, food, money, or even a change of clothes. Wherever you go, stay in the same house until you leave town. And if a town refuses to welcome you, shake its dust from your feet as you leave to show that you have abandoned those people to their fate.” ‭‭Luke‬ ‭9‬:‭1‬-‭5‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Luke and Mark record this cataclysmic event in the life of the twelve. Jesus sends them off on their first mission’s trip! Luke gets right to it, while Mark first tells us Jesus sent them out in twos. The Chosen, Season 2, Episode “Spirit,” captures it perfectly!

The mission: cast out all demons and heal all diseases. Telling everyone about the Kingdom of God.

Travel instructions: Take nothing. What? Yeah, no walking stick, travel bag, food, money or extra clothes. Wow. no stick, bag, cash or snacks – I’d feel naked! When they go into the town and stay at someone’s house, they should stay with that family until it’s time to leave the town. Later on, when Jesus sends out 70 people, Luke includes a phrase that modern mission’s organizations still use today. The idea is to look for the person of peace – “if a son of peace is there…” Realizing that every town has that unique person, likely ordained by God to be the “key” to the city. Jesus sets the high bar of faith for his followers.

First faith is this “power and authority to cast out demons and heal all diseases.” That’s a big faith. I have been on some mission’s trips and do not remember one of them including that in the mandatory pre-training!

The second faith is that God will use people to provide ALL the needs of the missionaries. It is well known that hospitality is a high priority in middle eastern cultures. If a family sees that its guest has some need, they are prepared and honored to meet that need, even sacrificing their own needs to provide for others. I’m sure the disciples were well cared for in that area.

Luke records Jesus third faith requirement. What happens if I am rejected? Rejection is hard, no matter what century or circumstances you’re in. Jesus tells them, if the town refuses to welcome you – it’s on them NOT on you! Isn’t it interesting that Jesus gives them a framework to understand the possibility of failure? How often when things go sideways on a mission’s trip do we feel that it is our fault and we take responsibility for it. In Jesus training, he forewarns them that it is more likely it’s the people in the town, rather than something they might do wrong.

We might see these passages out of Luke and Mark as only applicable to the first twelve or the second seventy. We’ve got to realize, these stories are meant to be seen as critical for ALL disciples, then and now. As a follower of Jesus, the same three faith experiences in our mission of spreading the gospel is a part of the Kingdom of God. It’s fine for us to classify certain callings to full time or lifetime missionary work, especially in countries not of our own origin. But the reality is Jesus calls us all to the three part faith excursions to GO.

Go, cast out demons.
Go, heal all diseases.
Go, trusting God to provide our needs.
And GO, knowing that rejection may happen.

We (the Church) are really good at believing that all these “discipleship” scriptures are for the professionals of faith. Like there are those God has picked and they must really be good at it. Certainly, that is NOT me! Maybe you feel that you can throw God some cash to help others, which is wonderful to be a generous investor into missions. I still believe is a mandatory experience of a true follower of Jesus. Go on a mission’s trip. Cross a cultural boundary and experience God and people in other contexts. Just remember, Jesus has called all of us to both BE a disciple and to MAKE disciples! All those who profess Jesus as Lord have His power and authority to deal with demons and heal the sick. All of us who proclaim to be citizens of the Kingdom of God are called to live by faith, even to the point of experiencing the radical hospitality of others. And all who follow Jesus will experience failure in our witness and rejection by those who are set to oppose God instead of submitting to Him.

Prayer

​Dad,
Admittedly, faith is scary for us… or at least it is for me. I think everything I know about the miracle of my relationship with you is all about faith. You credited Abraham with righteousness because of his crazy faith in you. Faith to believe, faith to go, faith to sacrifice Issac, and faith to foresee the promised inheritance for the nation! When it comes to stepping out to deal with the demonic or to believe for healing of another – it’s really hard. Even now there’s a part of the Christian community that doesn’t believe it SHOULD happen, let alone could happen! I want to believe. Like the man said, “help me in my unbelief.”

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Read the season.

Reading Time: 3 minutes

“You have rejected us, O God, and broken our defenses. You have been angry with us; now restore us to your favor. You have shaken our land and split it open. Seal the cracks, for the land trembles. You have been very hard on us, making us drink wine that sent us reeling. But you have raised a banner for those who fear you— a rallying point in the face of attack.” Psalms‬ ‭60‬:‭1‬-‭4‬ ‭NLT‬‬

David writes the song, “Lilly of the Testimony.”

War, war, war and more war – this is one of the major themes of how God either showed His favor or displeasure with Israel. So many wars! Israel wins, God is for them. Israel loses and clearly God used other nations to discipline them. Can you even imagine that battle barometer being used today? Don’t we view war as a straight up attack from Satan lashing out on nations, killing, maiming and displacing the innocent around the globe?

David clearly knew how to read the times and lay the responsibility on God himself. Other than Job and a few other references, Satan is a minor figure in the Old Testament. Fact: The Old Testament emphasizes God’s sovereignty over all nations and events, including wars. God is often depicted as orchestrating events to fulfill His purposes. Satan is primarily seen as an accuser or adversary rather than a direct instigator of war. Is it just me, or do we clearly see war differently today? Oh, we give the nod of sovereignty to God, but oooooh it’s the devil that makes men go mad and drive rulers to evil. When nations attacked Israel, David knew – 100% it was God talking. This song/psalm was one of victory where David’s bloody general, Joab, wiped out 12,000 Edomites. That was just one war out of HUNDREDS.

I am so not qualified to even begin to understand the context of global wars today. But I do know they are very controversial, and in the U.S. folks are super opinionated about these complicated issues. Like we don’t have enough issues of our own 🤪. Every one of these wars go back to deep and divisive conflicts that are older than our country’s existence! It is so arrogant of us to think we have a solution. David was wise enough to go to the source, the truth of God in His justice and judgment. Whose banner did David wave? He said God raised the banner on behalf of those who fear Him. Those who humbly admit their guilt, followed by repentance. That’s what God still wants from us today!

There’s an old song I remember from my youth. It had a line in it that asked this question – “Who’s side are you leaning on?” The song response is “I’m leaning on the Lord’s side!” Truth in such simplicity. Discovering and discerning the times, we can be like David and read the season by starting with God. This would be such a reprieve from all the noise and confusion. For us to hear from God and listen – instead of giving our attention to world leaders and protesters attempting to ferret out the truth.

Prayer

​Dad,
It is psalms like this where I see David’s wisdom of seeking you, understanding what he had done, and quickly humbling himself in repentance. That’s a pattern I can subscribe to. It seems silly for us to try to mentally meddle or verbally engage in global affairs just to feel like we have answers solving eons of human problems. We cannot resolve our own sin, let alone the world’s conflicts. I will continue to lean on the Lord’s side to discern the times in which we live.

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The art of the evangelism deal.

Reading Time: 3 minutes

“Live wisely among those who are not believers, and make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be gracious and attractive so that you will have the right response for everyone.” ‭‭Colossians‬ ‭4‬:‭5‬-‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Paul was a working Apostle. Paul’s business was tent making and repair, but really he focused more on disciple-making and soul-repair.

Paul worked a side gig for two reasons:

  1. To not be one of these itinerant preachers who roll through town, spewing heresy and disunity, which was common during ancient times. The Judaizers were especially unhelpful at this way of life. I believe Paul was an excellent businessman! He knew his craft, but more than that he knew people and felt at ease in the open-air markets in every major city. These swap-meet style businesses would line the main streets of the city where thousands of shoppers would buy and sell their goods and services.
  2. Even more impressive, was the fact that Paul knew how to make the art of the deal in evangelism! To “euaggelizó” bring the good news of Jesus to anyone who was seeking God. Paul’s most successful disciples became Pastors, Teachers, Deacons, Deaconess’ and host homes for churches everywhere Paul travelled.

When Paul writes to the churches in Colossae, he did so out of experience, not theory. Paul LIVED these verses well before he taught these practical concepts. When he writes “walk” in wisdom, he uses a very familiar Greek word, “peripateó,” to walk or really to conduct oneself. The New Living Translation captures it well – LIVE wisely.

Then Paul kicks in his real strategy that everyone who has ever shopped to scoop up a bargain, a prime-day, coupon-ish, can’t pass-it-up sale is familiar with. Paul is saying that everywhere people are, where people gather, hang out, just go about living life is the absolute best place for believers to be! Paul knows what we forget, God is at work all-the-time! God is revealing himself to every single person on the planet. The moments where we collide with someone searching isn’t coincidence it’s providence!

Business man Paul says, “Don’t miss this fire-sale moment where God is supernaturally working for us to have conversations about the gospel – the good news!” Paul uses this Greek business word, this swap-meet bargain, grab-it-now word. He says make the most of EVERY OPPORTUNITY. The word opportunity is ​agorázō, “buy-up at the marketplace!” Everyday that Paul showed up at the “agora,” the city’s bazaar, was going to be a hot, flash sale of God rescuing a soul! Another way to say it is that believers need to show up where people work, live and play. Start chatting people up with gracious, kind, authentic conversation! NLT translates it as “attractive,” but Paul’s actual words are “seasoned with salt.” Because, who wants to be a part of a tasteless, dull conversation. Make it spicy, or at the least flavorful!

This is Paul’s secret-sauce to making the art of the evangelism deal. God does 100% of the work and asks us to join Him in the miracle of transforming a life. But how do I do this you ask? What do I say? Well, it’s really important that you begin by just being a normal human being who enjoys people. Come on, it’s not that tough. Quit the nonsense of “but I’m an introvert,” or “I don’t even like people.” You cannot be a part of the Kingdom of God without behaving just a little bit like a citizen of God’s economy. Just being nice is a good start. Practice in the mirror 🤣.

What Paul did next is genius. He would wait, watch and listen for someone to ask him, “so what’s your story?” Or, how’d you become a tent maker guy? At this point Paul and every single believer in Jesus would simply and briefly share their own story, their own testimony – the personal witness of how they met God.

So the next time you see a sale, a bargain, and you feel the need to jump on it before that discount slips through your fingers, just remember – you can also seize these kind of life moments that God customized for you to be a part of the miracle of new life!

Prayer

​Dad,
You know I LOVE this strategy! It is so natural, so easy, so non-threatening. For years I thought evangelism or sharing my faith was a confrontational, three-step method of memorizing Paul’s Roman’s Road or a script I was taught that made me so nervous. What a relief to know that I can’t and don’t save anyone! That’s all You. What a joy to just be normal and enjoy the moments that you have ordained to allow me to be a part of Your story, a true citizen in the Kingdom. Oh, how I wish everyone would follow Paul’s simple way of just being themselves. And when you show up, wow – it is spectacular.

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Solomon’s oxymoronic dilemma.

Reading Time: 3 minutes

“After much thought, I decided to cheer myself with wine. And while still seeking wisdom, I clutched at foolishness. In this way, I tried to experience the only happiness most people find during their brief life in this world.” ‭‭Ecclesiastes‬ ‭2‬:‭3‬ ‭NLT‬‬

When I read about Solomon, in the early years I am impressed by his humility, loyalty and wisdom as he ruled the Israelite Empire. And, an empire it was for sure. Israel extended into the Sinai desert near Egypt in the south and to the Euphrates River in the north. It was roughly three times the size of Israel today and would have included parts of present-day Lebanon, Jordan, and Syria. Solomon himself was “greater in riches and wisdom than all the other kings of the earth.” God also granted him wisdom beyond any other human being. And yet Solomon finds himself searching, wanting, still “seeking wisdom.” In chapter two, he goes looking for trouble – “Come on, let’s try pleasure. Let’s look for the ‘good things’ in life,”2‬:‭1‬.

It’s the next sentence that boggles my mind. “And while still seeking wisdom… I clutched at foolishness.” What a strange oxymoronic pursuit! God gave him more than enough smarts for several lifetimes, but it wasn’t enough? Proverbs and Ecclesiastes is filled with unfathomable wisdom, plenty to know about God, to love God and how to do right. Everything one needs to fulfill Micah’s self-examined question – what does the LORD require of us? Solomon started out with a life of acting justly, loving mercy, walking humbly with God! It seems as though Solomon’s pursuit of MORE had the strange effect of bewitching his life, family and future.

Solomon had the means and the shadowed motivation of experiencing the only “happiness” most find in the brevity of life? He bought and built anything his heart desired. He was consumed with this one idea, “Anything I wanted, I would take. I denied myself no pleasure,” ‭2‬:‭10‬. He did the most dangerous, crazy social experiment any human would attempt, ”So I decided to compare wisdom with foolishness and madness (for who can do this better than I, the king?).” Solomon did it so that we wouldn’t have to… or want to? Plunging himself into deep stupidity. Who would aspire to simultaneously be the smartest and dumbest human? What drove him? I have no idea!

I do know folks that have an insatiable hunger for more. And, conversely, I also know people that seem insanely driven to failure and oddly addicted to foolishness! Both are so sad to watch. I’m not trying to be self effacing, but I am just not smart enough to be one and certainly not dumb enough to be the other! Oh, I want to be wise, but not so much that it drives me to the edge of insanity. I have learned so much from the wisdom God gave Solomon. I’m hoping I will never need his tips on foolishness, other than avoiding them.

Prayer

​Dad,
When I started following Jesus I dove deeply into Proverbs because I was socially delayed as well as lacked discipline. Going through relationships and exploring love for the first time I also spent time in Psalms to learn how to both express and understand the disappointments of life as a teenager. I never did spend too much time trying to understand Solomon and the life lessons he provided. Now, all these years later I understand a little more, but I am still missing the big WHY of his life and Ecclesiastical writings. To have so much and yet still succumb to all the traps of sin and the lusts in our soul, leaves me puzzled still. I do trust you and know there was great purpose in having Solomon record his experiences as the “teacher.” Maybe by the time life ends I’ll figure it all out. Then again, maybe I won’t 🤨.