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Fathers’ discipline & correct.

Reading Time: 2 minutes

”My child, don’t reject the Lord’s discipline, and don’t be upset when he corrects you. For the Lord corrects those he loves, just as a father corrects a child in whom he delights.“
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭3‬:‭11‬-‭12‬ ‭NLT‬‬

In a cultural milieu of anti-patriarchal conversations, the Bible is either out of sync OR it’s timeless truth that shapes our lives, our families and especially our children.

The wisdom book, the eternal expression of God culminating in the life of Jesus, has a lot to say about parenting! Fathers play a significant role in the lives of children- it’s a sociological fact, backed by solid statistics of their influence in the family unit.

What is truly amazing to me is that while doing a sermon series prep, I came across this theme in both the book of Judges (2:19-22), Proverbs (3:11-12), Corinthians (1 Cor. 11:32) and Hebrews (12:5-8). Israel, God’s chosen people, had an awful time cycling in and out of sin and disobedience. God would rescue them, and they would run right back to idols and fake gods, doing despicable things. God would then judge them – harshly, allowing other nations to raid and plunder their cities.

Almost no one wants to talk about discipline or correction, especially as adults! I mean it’s great to talk about it as parents raising children, but who disciplines and corrects adults? God absolutely does! All these Bible verses make it clear – God corrects those he loves and delights in. Hebrews goes further and says, “Who ever heard of a child who is never disciplined by its father? If God doesn’t discipline you as he does all of his children, it means that you are illegitimate and are not really his children at all.‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬‬” BOOM💥! Leaving us alone and to our own selfish ways would mean that God abandons us, proving we were “nothos,” a bastard, illegitimate child!

This is a strong word for parents who feel that they shouldn’t impose their will, their morality, even their beliefs on a child. By NOT doing so they are showing a disinterest, a disdain for the child’s welfare in their future. This nonsense that a child should choose morality or beliefs for themselves is a damnable lie, destroying a foundation that allows a child to feel safe and know they are loved! A child cannot and should not “raise” themselves!

Fathers, keep correcting your child because you love them and delight in them. Adults, know this; God isn’t mad at us when he corrects us. He purposely roadblocks our drive to get what we think we want – when it’s clearly wrong. God loves us and delights in us when he brings in someone or something to knock us off our destructive path. I try so hard to ACCEPT, not reject the Lord’s discipline, knowing that is for my own good!

Prayer

Dad,
Sometimes it is difficult to tell the difference between being harassed by the enemy of my soul OR being disciplined because of my bad choices. I depend on the Holy Spirit to pinpoint the issue. And, when I realize it’s because of some dumb, selfish decision I made – clearly SIN, I repent and yield to whatever you bring as consequences for my actions. It’s hard, but I know that you love me. I am so thankful you don’t let me wander off or storm off too far before you send a little pain and struggle my way to humble me and get me back on the right path. I am so grateful for your grace and mercy towards me. Amen.

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Satan goes to Church?

Reading Time: 3 minutes

”Jesus and his companions went to the town of Capernaum. When the Sabbath day came, he went into the synagogue and began to teach. The people were amazed at his teaching, for he taught with real authority—quite unlike the teachers of religious law. Suddenly, a man in the synagogue who was possessed by an evil spirit cried out, “Why are you interfering with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are—the Holy One of God!” But Jesus reprimanded him. “Be quiet! Come out of the man,” he ordered. At that, the evil spirit screamed, threw the man into a convulsion, and then came out of him.“ ‭‭Mark‬ ‭1‬:‭21‬-‭26‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Mark’s gritty gospel tells us the harrowing experiences that Peter went through while following Jesus. Who would ever expect something as crazy as this particular day. On the Sabbath, the God-given, God-commanded, day of rest. In the synagogue, similar to a local church, in Capernaum, Jesus and his team show up to worship God, pray and hear the Word of God taught. Jesus began teaching and it was amazing to all who heard.

However, there was also someone else there that day. There was an infiltrator, an incognito presence masquerading as a God follower. But he was not at all there for the same things as the others. Folks are always shocked that the Bible shreds many stereotypes and superstitions we make up over time because we’ve “heard” what we believe to be truth. One of those fabricated, fake news fallacies – Satan can’t enter a Holy place! Well, Mark would tell us – that’s NONSENSE. In fact, it happens quite often as believers gather, even today! People seem quite put off believing that somehow it’s the local church’s fault when weird and wacky things take place. Hello – there’s a real enemy out there, remember? Don’t blame a church, don’t hold it against a pastor for some creepy experience disrupting your religious “beliefs!” People be people and more terrifying is…Satan be EVIL!

This evil spirit had the audacity to show up in church on a holy day! And, as I have witnessed, they do what demons often do. They intentionally INTERRUPT what God is doing! This one had the cajones to ask Jesus a direct question. “Why are you interfering with us?” Whoa. What a twisted view of reality, right? Who’s interfering with who? The NLT (New Living Translation) takes great liberty in trying to translate the phrase, “what do we have to do with you.” The demonic world obviously knew who Jesus was far sooner than humans. But still, this demon spoke an odd accusation, almost saying, “what business do you have with our agenda?” “Our” agenda? Yeah, Satan and his fallen angels still think they are in charge! One commentator wrote, “if Jesus cast him out, he would use an improper interference.” As if Jesus had no right to meddle in the dark world of the prince of darkness! Oh, but Jesus did have the right, He is the light of the world.

Then the demon switched its thought to something far more terrifying for them – have you come to “apollumi” utterly destroy us? Their end has already been determined. Hell, the abyss, the eternal lake of fire – all designed for Satan and the angels who followed the rebellion against God. Hell was designed for Satan, but it can accommodate all who truly want to join this rebellion against God!

Jesus directly addressed the demon with two commands – be quiet and come out. This is early in Mark’s gospel and Jesus is just getting started; showing the world who he is and what he has come to accomplish. However, Mark wants us, the reader, to know – Jesus is God and has power over all things! Power over darkness and demons is just the beginning, because we discover that Jesus has ultimate power and authority over ALL things.

What a great time to go to church that day, right? When someone asked one of Jesus’ followers, “so how did synagogue go today?” They would have to reply, “you wouldn’t believe it if I told you – you should come and hear this Jesus for yourself!”

Prayer

Dad,
For sure, I would never go looking for demonic episodes like some kind of evil-spirit seeker! But I have seen things and I know it’s real. I do find it interesting that folks seem uneasy when the Holy Spirit does something wonderful, but certainly out of the ordinary. We fear the things we do not understand. There is a huge difference in experiencing the Spirit of God and your life-giving ways verses a spirit of darkness, filled with fear and oppression. It’s like day and night – light and darkness. Thank you for your Word bringing truth to reveal and compel us to see reality. Thank you for grace and mercy to not be completely controlled by evil! Amen.

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Daniel’s extraordinary experience in Babylon.

Reading Time: 3 minutes

Let this be recorded for future generations, so that a people not yet born will praise the Lord. Tell them the Lord looked down from his heavenly sanctuary. He looked down to earth from heaven to hear the groans of the prisoners, to release those condemned to die. And so the Lord’s fame will be celebrated in Zion, his praises in Jerusalem, when multitudes gather together and kingdoms come to worship the Lord. Psalms‬ ‭102‬:‭18‬-‭22‬ ‭NLT‬‬

To read the full story about Daniel and his rise to power, serving as an advisor to King Nebuchadnezzar, as well as rising above the evil subterfuge and plans to have him killed, you need to read the book he wrote about his life in captivity. A quick search of “Daniel in the Bible,” will give you the quick summary of his life.

One commentator summarizes it well, Jack Zavada writes, “Daniel was a young man of Jewish nobility taken into captivity by Nebuchadnezzar in the third year of Jehoiakim and renamed Belteshazzar. He was trained in the king’s court and then elevated to a high rank in the Babylonian and Persian kingdoms. Daniel the prophet was only a teenager when introduced in the book of Daniel and was an old man at the close of the book, yet never once in his life did his faith in God waver.” Another writes that “Daniel was the most learned man in the Old Testament and most thoroughly trained for his important role in history and literature.” Daniel had revelatory dreams, he also interpreted dreams and was an advisor to several kings during Israel’s captivity.

This Psalm captures the deep heartache that Daniel carried for his beloved people. Even though he lived most of his life surrounded by the elite, wealthy and powerful politicians of Babylon, he was not swayed nor distracted by their success. He kept his heart pure and his mind focused on God! Daniel writes this Psalm as Israel prepares to be released after 70 years of captivity.

Now, as the nation faces going home to complete devastation of their city and their homes, they are free but have to rebuild and start over. Their temple had been rebuilt, but it was nowhere near the glory of their first one. Nehemiah oversaw the miraculous rebuilding of the city walls, so they would be safe. But there was so much to do and the entire nation had to come to the realization that they had seriously sinned and God had disciplined them severely for it.

Daniel writes a key phrase, “let this be recorded for future generations.” It was tough, but God brought them through. It was humiliating, but God rescued them once again. Daniel wanted the future children to remember. Not the struggles, not the groanings, not the heavy load of accountability for their behaviors – no. Daniel wanted them to remember God saw them, God delivered them and God would restore them! God is worthy of worship!!!

This is a lesson for us who have lived and seen the marvelous miracles and historical moves of God on our nation and in His Church. Whatever discipline, whatever chastisement we have deserved, God is faithful to see us, deliver us and restore His Church to be that spotless, wrinkle-free bride before Jesus returns! God has shown Himself worthy throughout our human history and He will continue to do so.

So for us, we can take Daniel’s advice, his admonition, to gather together as followers of Jesus, as His Church, and come to worship the Lord! I believe a spiritual revolution is coming! So I want to be REUNION READY for those who will come home, those who will turn their hearts toward God and believe!

Prayer

Dad,
I am, we are as the Church, being prepared for you to pour out Your Spirit on this beautiful blue globe, in our nation, states and cities. We are waiting for you to pour out Your Spirit of truth, lifting the blindness from our eyes that promise unfulfilled lies. We will witness the supernatural move of Your Spirit once again – maybe for the last time before Jesus returns for the final days of justice and end of all things here on this planet. May Your fame be celebrated throughout the earth! Amen.

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Paul’s beef with Barnabas.

Reading Time: 3 minutes

After some time Paul said to Barnabas, “Let’s go back and visit each city where we previously preached the word of the Lord, to see how the new believers are doing.” Barnabas agreed and wanted to take along John Mark. But Paul disagreed strongly, since John Mark had deserted them in Pamphylia and had not continued with them in their work. Their disagreement was so sharp that they separated. Barnabas took John Mark with him and sailed for Cyprus. Paul chose Silas, and as he left, the believers entrusted him to the Lord’s gracious care. ‭‭Acts ‭15‬:‭36‬-‭40‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Are you shocked to find out that leaders in the Church, as well as just normal followers of Jesus also have serious disagreements between them? Yeah, no one is immune from being human! Not even among the most influential duo team in the New Testament Church.

What was Paul’s beef with Barnabas? It was all about John Mark. Who was John Mark and what did he do to get the Apostle Paul so riled up? We already know that Paul was mission driven. And, we know that Barnabas was a mercy-driven encourager. That’s exactly why the team worked so well. Luke tells us that Paul was still not happy with John Mark, over what he considered to be an act of desertion! However, each leader felt so strongly about this disagreement that Paul went one way and Barnabas went another. Who was right, – neither, both? One commentator summarized it well. “John Mark was a helper on Paul and Barnabas’ first missionary journey (Acts 13:5). However, he did not stay through the whole trip. John Mark deserted Paul and Barnabas in Pamphylia and left the work (Acts 15:38). The Bible does not say why Mark deserted, but his departure came right after a mostly fruitless time in Cyprus (Acts 13:4–12). Only one conversion is recorded in Cyprus, but there had been strong demonic opposition. It’s likely that the young John Mark was discouraged at the hardness of the way and decided to return to the comforts of home.”

Now, before we jump on Paul’s side seeing John Mark as a weak, momma’s boy, as some have said; how about also looking at the facts: their were fruitless efforts and demonic opposition! Throw a young man into a mission’s trip like that and we might say, “maybe John Mark just wasn’t ready for such intensity!” Does a lack of preparation, and taking a step back disqualify one for all future mission’s trips? Our two children did a mission’s trip to Fiji and they came back with frightening, almost traumatizing stories of what they experienced. But they were warned ahead of time by seasoned missionaries. They did not happen to go back, but their hearts were forever marked by that experience.

Desertion or not, when Barnabas suggested that they give John Mark another chance, Paul was vehemently against it! And, in this case, Barnabas decided that mercy and second chances were more important than just writing John Mark off. Barnabas went to BACK to Cyprus and took John Mark with him! You don’t think this was a healthy, life-lesson in John Mark’s life to go back to a difficult place with new eyes and some experience behind him? And, look what eventually happened! Paul eventually comes around calling John Mark a “fellow worker” (Philemon 1:24). And near the end of Paul’s life, Paul sends a request to Timothy from a Roman prison: “Get Mark and bring him with you, because he is helpful to me in my ministry” (2 Timothy 4:11). Plus, it is no small detail that John Mark’s gospel (the book of Mark), is an amazing account of Jesus life as experienced through the life of Peter. So, although beefs between believers happen, there should be reconciliation and definitely second chances. I would hate to imagine if John Mark, hurt by Paul’s own passion for Christ’s mission would have called it quits – sighting “Church hurt,” as the reason he would not get back to work in the Kingdom of God!

Prayer

Dad,
We just desperately want to pedestalize our leaders, thinking they cannot, or should not make mistakes or bad decisions that hurt others. But they are just human just like the rest of us ordinary folks. I am so glad you had Luke record all this and thankful that it came full-circle to reconciliation between Paul, Barnabas and especially John Mark. Also, thank you for second or seventh chances at getting it right. Amen.

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Women empowerment in the Old Testament.

Reading Time: 3 minutes

One day Elisha went to the town of Shunem. A wealthy woman lived there, and she urged him to come to her home for a meal. After that, whenever he passed that way, he would stop there for something to eat. She said to her husband, “I am sure this man who stops in from time to time is a holy man of God. Let’s build a small room for him on the roof and furnish it with a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp. Then he will have a place to stay whenever he comes by. ‭‭2 Kings‬ ‭4‬:‭8‬-‭10‬ ‭NLT‬‬

Many of these stories in both the Old and New Testament are people driven. Real people with real lives, names, history and problems. Sometimes, we are told these folks names, sometimes, as in this story, we are only told a few key facts. Jeremiah, the most likely author of 1st & 2nd Kings, tells us about a wealthy woman from Shunem. Later, we find out she is married but has no children. Where is Shumen? I had no idea. That’s like asking me “Where is the country of Djibouti!” It turns out that the location of this story is interesting and you can Google it.

What is more significant is this unnamed woman’s extraordinary experience with an emotionally detached Prophet (spokesperson of God) Elisha. Elisha often sends his assistant, Gehazi, to do most of the talking! This story, like the widow story just before it, is a woman empowerment story. This great woman as KJV translates, means she was a woman of great wealth. It is her idea to urge Elisha to stop in for a bite to eat, then in what’s known as radical hospitality, she tells her husband, this man is a “holy man” let’s (translated, I am going to do this) build him an upstairs ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit)! Elisha is moved by this remarkable blessing, to not just feed him but give him a personal quarters to have a place to rest, pray, and be on his way. He wants to bless her in return.

Elijah tells Gehazi to offer the normal, networking advantages that one would offer a friend, ”Can we put in a good word for you to the king or to the commander of the army?” But she’s doing just fine on her own, she does not need the king for special treatment, nor some kind of protection from the king’s guard. Elisha still wants to bless this woman. So, Elisha asked Gehazi, “What can we do for her?” Gehazi replied, “She doesn’t have a son, and her husband is an old man.” Sure, there’s some assumptions made here, this married woman with no children can mean a lot of things. But one of the most glaring needs, who will care for her when she’s too old to care for herself? We already know her husband’s pretty old.

Elisha told her himself, next year when he returns, she will be holding a son! Her reply is honest and so sweet, “No, my Lord!” she cried. “O man of God, don’t deceive me and get my hopes up like that.” Sure enough, a year later she had her son! As her son of promise grew older, he had a horrible episode while working in the field with his father. A servant took the young man home to die in his mother’s arms at noon.

It is here we find this woman’s assertive faith and determination to go and find Elisha and tell him that he was responsible for her son being given as a blessing! God granted the miracle to give life, so now in her mind, Elisha should be responsible to bring him back to life! Elisha tried to just send Gehazi, but she would not accept that, saying “As surely as the Lord lives and you yourself live, I won’t go home unless you go with me.” So Elisha returned with her.

In the moments of radical empathy, compassion and faith, Elisha prayed and God brought the boy back to life! Yes, these stories are about the amazing miracles of God, but they are also about the powerful, determination of women who had an unshakable faith in God.

Prayer

Dad,
I have come to learn through your word AND experience that simply asking for folks to pray as a last resort is an improper understanding of who you are, but also the serious undervaluing of the power of a mother’s or grandmother’s prayer. I now believe it should be our first priority! Do I have a huge need in my life? Then I should look for women of faith to not just join with me, but take the lead in assertive determination to reach heaven! Thank you for women of great faith. And, thank you for hearing their prayers!

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Kindness is the character of God.

Reading Time: 2 minutes

”Never let loyalty and kindness leave you! Tie them around your neck as a reminder. Write them deep within your heart. Then you will find favor with both God and people, and you will earn a good reputation.“
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭3‬:‭3‬-‭4‬ ‭NLT‬‬

I would guess that most of our culture truly believe that someone just made up the word kindness, separating it from the character of God! Words like kindness and love have been marketed, capitalized and promoted to buy and sell product as well as pass around the “good feels” of being nice to one another. But these words have their origin in God’s original design of how he created humans to be. We broke (and break) that relationship with God, with each other and with the earth itself.

The Hebrew word, “checed” used in this verse for “kindness” is far richer in meaning. It means favor or goodness being given and received in our interactions and expressions with and from God, as well as from and towards one another. It is much deeper than just being nice! It goes further and than just being “Minnesota nice” – which is a GOOD stereotype of people from Minnesota being reserved, polite, friendly, and non-confrontational, often used to describe their behavior of being helpful and friendly in public. It is a deep, consistent, commitment to treating others better than yourself. In the New Testament kindness (chréstotés) is powerful enough, Paul says, to lead us to repentance! Paul also lists it as a fruit of the Spirit, a benignity forged by listening to and following the Spirit’s leading instead of our selfish, fleshy ways! This isn’t just being nice, it’s behaviorally mirroring one of God’s attributes.
The NLT translation also uses the word loyalty, for the Hebrew word, “emeth,” which is a faithfulness embedded in truth. In the Old Testament this word “emeth,” or its root word, “aman” is a powerfully supportive, nourishing word, often used for speaking of a foster-mother or father.

This duo of displaying fostered-favorability means that in return we find grace from God and humankind, thus earning a stellar reputation. Proverbs, in instructing the young on how to build out their own lives, puts a premium on behaving like God. This both pleases God, but also has a pleasant ROI on character investment into others. As we know reputations are difficult to achieve and easily lost. Keeping a “fostered-favoring” towards others helps us display the fruits of the Spirit and reflect the image of our God! Every time we are faithful and show favor we behave towards others like God behaves towards us.

Prayer

Dad,
This powerful Proverb brings home the point that Jesus made in the New Testament. “Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other.” Your own faithfulness, your own favor of grace and mercy has been lavished out on me again and again. It is very humbling to see that happening in my life everyday! More than just building a godly life and having a godly reputation, it is amazing to me that I even have the capacity for good towards others. Because of your Spirit within me, I am daily challenged to see every person through your eyes of grace. Thank you for the opportunity to display the fruit of the Spirit in ordinary moments with people whom you love and to know that you are fiercely working and wooing them towards yourself. Amen.

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Doeg must die.

Reading Time: 3 minutes

O Lord, oppose those who oppose me. Fight those who fight against me. Psalms‬ ‭35‬:‭1‬ ‭NLT‬‬

David writes this Psalm while reflecting on the horrific slaughter of innocent men, women and children in the ancient city of nob. David himself, a shepherd turned warrior, is in the unique position to understand when a man breaks from reality, from a sense of morality, and a code of honor even in times of war – it is devastating.

Doeg also went from a being a shepherd, to being Saul’s chief shepherd. Then suddenly in a moment, with little warning, he gets caught up in Saul’s obsessive rage to pursue David at any cost, and Doeg becomes a mass murderer. The story is all in 1 Samuel 21 & 22. David finds refuge, some food and the famous Goliath sword at the tabernacle in Nob, where Ahimilech served as priest. Doeg also happened to be at the tabernacle at the same time as David and his men. Doeg immediately reported the incident to King Saul. Saul then summoned Ahimilech and his family to the palace to hold him accountable for what he considered to be treason. When Saul asked Ahimilech why he harbored and abetted a criminal of the crown, Ahimilech told him the truth – he said, You mean David? “Who among all your servants is so faithful as David, who is the king’s son-in-law, and captain over your bodyguard, and honored in your house?” Ahimilech was openly declaring his innocence.

Saul became enraged and ordered the palace guard to immediately kill the priests of the LORD – all of them, while standing there in the court. But the guard refused the King’s direct order! Saul then turned to Doeg and ordered him, “You turn and strike the priests.” And Doeg the Edomite turned and struck down the priests, and he killed on that day eighty-five persons who wore the linen ephod.”

But Doeg wasn’t done.

For some reason, he didn’t stop with slaughtering innocent priests. Doeg then rode off, back to Nob, the city of the priests, and killed every man, woman, child and baby. He even killed the city’s animals, the oxen, donkeys and sheep. Whoa. Doeg, like his King went full on demonically mental to become a mass murderer.

David, feeling remorse and responsibility for their deaths, writes this Psalm, pleading with God to bury Doeg. Doeg became known as the “priest slayer.” Jewish legend says that David himself took Doeg’s life.

The backstory to the Psalms are so full of triumph and tragedy. They are all reflections of the good, bad and ugly of our human nature and the beauty of God’s mercy and justice. Only God is perfectly capable of wielding both. When we don’t understand the why behind the stories we see or hear about, there is often a backstory. God knows what He is doing!

Prayer

Dad,
The Old Testament is filled with such raw voracity, a hunger for evil. It reveals the true nature of what sin can do to the human heart – anyone could be a Doeg! I hear about the rampant evil currently accelerating in our cities and I think, “Dear God, we need you!” We need you to pour out your Spirit, confronting the anarchy, corruption, suffering and brokenness in our dark hearts. Help us Oh Lord! Answer our cries for peace in our communities and countries. We repent of our self-determined wills that rise up against you. We repent of our lusts for more. Hear our prayers today God. Have mercy to soften and turn our hearts towards you once again. We don’t want to be a Doeg. Amen.

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Is marriage a distraction dilemma?

Reading Time: 4 minutes

”I want you to be free from the concerns of this life. An unmarried man can spend his time doing the Lord’s work and thinking how to please him. But a married man has to think about his earthly responsibilities and how to please his wife. His interests are divided. In the same way, a woman who is no longer married or has never been married can be devoted to the Lord and holy in body and in spirit. But a married woman has to think about her earthly responsibilities and how to please her husband. I am saying this for your benefit, not to place restrictions on you. I want you to do whatever will help you serve the Lord best, with as few distractions as possible.“ ‭‭1 Corinthians‬ ‭7‬:‭32‬-‭35‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The Apostle Paul was never afraid of weighing in on hot topics or super controversial conversations. Pity the fool who thought, or thinks they can take on Paul and win a philosophical, theoretical or theological argument!

Paul was a fierce thinker, a natural debater. That’s just one of the reasons God chose him to take on the rigorous religious paradigms of his day. Remember, God didn’t try to argue with Paul to win his heart, He simply floodlit him on the way to being judge and executioner of innocent believers. The voice from heaven broadcast, “Why are you persecuting me?” Paul didn’t even know who was talking, saying “who are you?” Jesus replied, then blinded Paul for three days so he could see a little more clearly.

Here, in Corinthians, Paul lays out a ton of solid Biblical instruction, but also gives some of his own wisdom, as he writes – this time on marriage! Paul is honest and clear about this point. He writes about young women desiring to be married and says he does NOT have a command from God for them. He adds a critical, contextual phrase that helps us understand the situation Paul is addressing, “because of the present crisis,” they should remain single.

Paul uses the word, anagké, which is a word for constraint, or better yet, a compression. We know the cultural pressures of that time was severe. Persecution was at its highest and the demented Roman authorities were using the torture of family members to coerce confessions out of believers, getting them to deny Christ. Google “Blandina,” and you’ll see what Paul was writing about. Also, because of the great persecution, Paul absolutely believed the parousia, the snatching, the 2nd coming of Christ was near! So in his mind, the priority wasn’t on getting married, having kids and owning a home – it was on spreading the gospel, the good news, because the end was near. This was the time of soul-harvest, not settling down, in Paul’s thinking.

So, definitely content, culture and context play a huge part in Paul’s seemingly anti-marriage message. But Paul is not anti-marriage! He is anti-distractions. If you read all of the book of Acts, then all of the letters Paul wrote to the churches, you’ll find that Paul lived on MISSION! He was driven to do what God called him and gifted him to do. There was winning people to Jesus, there was church planting and there was mentoring young men and women to the high calling of being a pastor. Paul had zero time for dating. Who would want to be married to a man that was so passionate about mission that he traveled constantly and started riots in many cities where he preached. What kind of married life, father image would that be?

Cutting through all the cultural context, there is still a question that must be answered, “Is marriage a distraction dilemma?” The answer, is yes! It CAN be, but it should not be. Paul nails it when he uses these two words, “think” and “please.” Marriage and family take up a tremendous amount of thinking and pleasing when it comes to our wife, husband and/or children – doesn’t it? Paul seems to be focused on something far deeper than the word “distraction,” because he uses these two much more serious greek words: think: merimnaó: to be anxious for and please: aréskō – properly satisfy. My take is that when a distraction becomes an obsession over and away from God working in my life then I have taken it too far!

Dr. Henry Cloud just came out with a great article on what he calls, “Focused Attention.” But it was what he wrote about distractions that got my attention. He wrote, “Today a countless amount of distractions will fight for your attention. They will come in the form of urgent and even good, but their subtle ability to pull you away from your main priorities prove that they can be the silent thief of success.”

Back to the distraction dilemma… my point is this. Husband, wife or kids should not be the number one priority in a believer’s life and rhythms! Wives, you will be at your best if Jesus is #1 and the benefactors will be your husband and kids. Husbands, guaranteed, if Jesus is #1, He will lead, guide and mature you as a man! Your wife and kids will absolutely benefit because of that proper priority. Single? Make Jesus #1! Not career, travel, hobbies or financial independence.

Paul’s point is true and throws no shade on marriage at all – do whatever will help you serve the Lord best, with as few distractions as possible! Without anything (aperispastós) drawing you away. Anything could become a distraction dilemma for our relationship with Jesus, it’s our job not to let that happen.

Prayer

Dad,
It’s a no brainer to figure out that bad things can and do draw me away from you. My own desires and evils are fairly easy to see. It becomes much more subtle to see that good things cause me to drift from you as the priority in my life. Busyness masquerades as doing good, then I just feel too exhausted to spend quality time with you, praying and reading Your Word. I just don’t have time, I say, as I shuffle off to one more crisis, one more new idea, one more good deed for others. I may not be the most focused person, but I can tend to what’s most important- and that is You. Thank you for being patient when I lose track of priorities. And, thank you for gently calling back to that place of quiet with you.

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Does God have a sense of humor?

Reading Time: 3 minutes

….So Balak, king of Moab, sent messengers to call Balaam son of Beor, who was living in his native land of Pethor near the Euphrates River. His message said: “Look, a vast horde of people has arrived from Egypt. They cover the face of the earth and are threatening me. Please come and curse these people for me because they are too powerful for me. Then perhaps I will be able to conquer them and drive them from the land. I know that blessings fall on any people you bless, and curses fall on people you curse. ‭‭Numbers‬ ‭22‬:‭4‬-‭6‬ ‭NLT‬‬

These feudal, tribal, clan-clashing are all throughout the Old Testament. Yet, at each inflection point there is always a person, or persons (in this case) that God uses to tell His story. Here we have the major characters, Balak, king of Moab, Balaam, a wicked prophet (Balaam was a pagan prophet who practiced divination and other magic arts, led Israel into apostasy, and was identified as a greedy, unscrupulous man by Peter and Jude ( 2 Peter 2:15 -16; Jude 1:11)) – oh and a donkey, Balaam’s ride.

Oh Moab, the nation that came out of Lot’s grandson via an incestuous relationship with Lot’s daughter, who remained unnamed. Moab’s king, Balak, thought it would be helpful to get a prophet, known for being a spokesperson for God, to CURSE Israel because he thought they were a threat to his kingdom. Balaam’s reputation must have been well known. Balaam turns down the offer to be paid to “basically” make up a curse from God. Balaam knew God would not curse his own people and told Balak it wouldn’t work.

Balaam seeks God and God answers, “don’t curse my people.” But king Balak is persistent and keeps upping the bribe money. God finally releases Balaam to go with the entourage from Balak, but forbid him to actually curse Israel. Balaam leaves for his journey but in-route an angel of the Lord blocks the path of the donkey. Balaam can’t see the angel, but his donkey can. God told Balaam he could go with the Moabite men, but God must have known that Balaam was toying with the idea of pronouncing this curse. This happens three times and each time, Balaam beats the animal for stopping and for embarrassing him.

After the third time God grants the donkey the ability to speak! The donkey talks! Come on – this is hilarious. The donkey and Balaam have a brief conversation on the trail! The donkey says, “What have I done to you that deserves your beating me three times?” it asked Balaam. “You have made me look like a fool!” Balaam shouted. “If I had a sword with me, I would kill you!” “But I am the same donkey you have ridden all your life,” the donkey answered. “Have I ever done anything like this before?” “No,” Balaam admitted.”

This donkey-talk scene has captured so much attention as one of the most unusual but humorous parts of the Bible. Every kid going to Sunday School in the past would have heard about Balaam’s donkey! Feel free to insert your own donkey/ass jokes here. God commits three whole chapters in the book of Numbers to tell this story. And in this story, you’ll find a Messiah reference, an “easter egg” discovery of a mysterious mention of the future Messiah – Jesus (Num 24:17).

Sadly, even though Balaam does not curse Israel, in fact, he blesses them three times – Balaam does figure out how to trap Israel with their own lust and desires. Balaam advised the Moabites on how to entice the people MEN of Israel with prostitutes and idolatry. And, it worked. See it in Numbers 25:1-3. The men of Israel took the bait, believed the lie and gave into to their disordered desires. The results – God judge them and 24,000 people died from a plague.

The talking donkey was funny, but our sin and desires, causing us to disobey God is no joke. As a youth hearing this story, I was so focused on the donkey that I completely missed the fact that there is more than one way to curse people. The direct curse is one way, but the subtle manipulation of luring us away from God and towards the shiny object of desire is the other. The last one seems enormously more effective.

Prayer

Dad,
I really do appreciate the humor in this story. I even like the fact that the villain is forced to do what is right, for the short term. Oh, but I hate seeing a mirror reflection of our own desires, imagination and dark thoughts eventually wearing us down and winning far too often. That’s embarrassing to know that we can falter from our own curse within. I am still in awe and wonder your grace and mercy offered to us! Thank you once again. Amen.

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Just another extraordinary day.

Reading Time: 3 minutes

One day as Jesus was walking along the shore of the Sea of Galilee, he saw Simon and his brother Andrew throwing a net into the water, for they fished for a living. Jesus called out to them, “Come, follow me, and I will show you how to fish for people!” And they left their nets at once and followed him. A little farther up the shore Jesus saw Zebedee’s sons, James and John, in a boat repairing their nets. He called them at once, and they also followed him, leaving their father, Zebedee, in the boat with the hired men. Mark‬ ‭1‬:‭16‬-‭20‬ ‭NLT‬‬

The calling of the first followers. Mark’s gospel has Jesus seemingly, randomly, asking men to join him in mission. We know this mission would be exciting at first, but eventually move towards a frightening, grief-stricken ending. We also know that each one of these first followers would later be called to martyrdom!

I don’t know if Jesus knew every detail of his life ahead in these first moments, or if he found out as he went along. If you’re wondering about Jesus’ omniscient ability as God, the Apostle Paul tells us in Philippians 2, that Jesus laid that down to fully live as a human being.

I do believe that Jesus received guidance, inspiration and power through the Holy Spirit, just as he would expect his followers to do (us as well). Maybe it was just a morning stroll, talking with God and enjoying the stunning vista of the Sea of Galilee- it is amazing. I find that God often speaks and leads in all kinds of situations. An S.S.A. (situational Spirit awareness) is required.

As God guided Jesus, he still had to SEE Simon. Jesus still had to SEE the Zebedee boys. And once he did, he called them out. Somewhere in there, I believe the Holy Spirit said “There they are. That’s them. You know what to do!” or something similar. Of course, we’re not told any of this, I just want you to know God moves in both very spiritual AND very ordinary ways at the same time.

Jesus saw them, he called them and they left everything to follow Him. Do you think maybe the Holy Spirit had been at work in their lives before that morning moment on the beach? I do. I am learning that God is ALWAYS at work (the Bible says so – John 5:17, Rom 8:28). God handles the hard part of working in the human heart! God also handles the providential details that astound us. When Jesus listened and obeyed the Holy Spirit, He was showing us that this is how easy it is to join God in His mission! Yeah, Jesus had to call them out – okay, that part is challenging for many of us. But God had already set the entire situation up for each one of those “yeses” to happen.

It takes a little practice to hear the whisper of the Holy Spirit leading and guiding us to be used of God. It takes a little practice to see God at work. And it does require the response that pleases God more than anything else – FAITH! But, come on, look at what happened when Jesus was obedient – those guys helped change the world. Jesus didn’t turn these ordinary men into extraordinary men. Jesus taught them to do just as he did, SEE, LISTEN AND OBEY. God did the supernatural, phenomenal miracles through them!

Next time you take a stroll, shop for snacks or get stuck in a line at the DMV, look around, listen for the Holy Spirit and wait to see if God might have a supernatural assignment for you. Then make God smile by believing and obeying his offer to join Him on mission. Just do it!

Prayer

Dad,
I get giddy watching you weave a plan together and marvel at watching you work! Sometimes I look around and see a sea of people and remind myself, you are working in that life, and that one, and another one over there, buying lottery tickets. Oh how I love it when a good God plan comes together. It’s like I am peeking into a whole other realm, an other-world experience that happens on the heart level in every human. It gives me Spirit chills to think that you invite us into that kind of Holy mission. Thank you for not just working in me, but working through me as well. Heaven will be filled with glorious stories of our great God! I can’t wait to see it all come together. Amen.