Day 879: Sunlit Saturdays

Unfortunately, not the view I had this Saturday... but imagine you were there for this!

Waking up stretched out on a luxuriously soft bed in a sunlit room on a Saturday – I think I may have just found a slice of heaven. It’s even better when you wake up early, just because you can, and enjoy the stillness and quiet beginnings of the day. I’m thankful that most people don’t get up early on Saturdays, quite frankly, it’d mar the moment.

Isn’t it refreshing when you have those moments that you’re so thankful to just be alive? To take a deep breath and enjoy the contentment. I’m just about giddy in my toes to remember some of those sweet, pure memories.

I’ve been blessed with many of those moments this semester while coaching my children’s drama team. Teaching (and learning) from kids is always a treat… even when I’d like to throw something at them. My 3-6 graders are rowdy, silly, honest, funny, frustrating, hopeless – definitely a handful. I wouldn’t sacrifice my Sunday afternoons with them for anything. They were nervous to perform for the UC a couple nights ago, but my co-coach, Kylor, and I just about danced with joy as we watched them give it their best shot. That’s one of the many things that rocks about helping people – seeing them grow, develop confidence, and succeed. Boy, I love those kids!

Of course, working with others also means that you must grow in some form or fashion also. “No man is an island,” after all. I could list all of the things they’ve taught me last year and this year, but it’s not necessary. Plus, the learning never ends!

The necessity of wisdom brings me to my Bible reading for the day. It’s only appropriate to read up on this while preparing for competition, or really – life in general.

Proverbs 13

Proverbs 13:4 The soul of the sluggard craves and gets nothing, while the soul of the diligent is richly supplied.

Proverbs 14:23 In toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty.

Ugh… these verses are dreadful reminders of the paper I must finish this weekend that I’ve been hiding from for the past week. Stop being a sluggard!

Proverbs 13:7 One pretends to be rich, yet has nothing, another pretends to be poor, yet has great wealth.

How very Hallmark-ish, yet true. Actually, there was a guy like that in my town in Texas. A gentle elderly man rode his bike, lugging a foldable chair, to several spots in town. He’d stand on the street corners and greet passerby with a “Have a great day!” and “How are you?” He’d occasionally sit back and read his Bible in the hot sunshine. One time my dad offered him a ride home to his shabby apartment. Dad later shared rumors he’d heard that the man was actually rich but chose to live in destitution. I’ve always been curious as to why he did that and wondered what his soul must look like. He may have seemed a bit crazy, but he had a beautiful heart.

Proverbs 13:10 By insolence comes nothing but strive, but with those who take advice is wisdom.

Proverbs 13:20 Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.

Another reminder of how blessed I am to have wise counselors in my friends and family. It’s so tempting to ignore their prodding and advice, but usually they’re right. I need them to keep my head from floating into the clouds.

Proverbs 13:12 Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but a desire fulfilled is a tree of life.

I could talk about hope forever – it’s what keeps me going and inspires me. How exhilarating it is when things work out, even more so when it’s how you never expected it to!

Proverbs 13:24 Whoever spares the rod hates his son, but he who loves him is diligent to discipline him.

Oh boy! I need this reminder when I’m not sure what to do when working with kids. Of course, I don’t want to beat them, but they need discipline – not only for my sanity but also for their growth.

Proverbs 14:7 Leave the presence of a fool, for there you do not meet words of knowledge.

 So true, yet hilariously said.

 Proverbs 14:10 The heart knows its own bitterness, and no stranger shares its joy.

 Solomon, I don’t understand you. Just so you know.

Proverbs 14:15 The simple believes everything, but the prudent gives thought to his steps.

Proverbs 14:16 One who is wise is cautious and turns away from evil, but the fool is reckless and careless.

As one who likes to believe that everyone is honest, this is a necessary reminder to look a little deeper at what’s in front of me.

Proverbs 14:19 The evil bow down before the good, the wicked at the gates of the righteous.

 Certainly one to investigate deeper… (but not now).

Proverbs 14:30 A tranquil heart gives life to the flesh, but envy makes the heart rot.

Oh how I wish each of us could be truly content with ourselves! This world would be a much prettier and happier place. Geez… we’re such troublesome creations sometimes.

Later…

By the way, my kids got gold! Actually, all of our kids got gold in their various competitions. I’m proud of them. : )

Day 32.5: Wise Lips

To take a little breather from Romans last week, I read Proverbs 10, which is the first chapter that dives into bite-sized proverbs. My notes on Proverbs came in handy Tuesday night at our lifegroup as we talked about how to best handle conflicts among friends and within the church. Unfortunately (yet not surprisingly) we never really settled on a conclusion. Relationships are complex and different in each situation, which is fascinating and frustrating. We also had an in-depth discussion about naked people, but that’s another story…

The verses that stood out most to me were those about communication. (Surprise! Communication is my gig…) They appropriately linked in with much of what we were discussing. It’s crazy – thinking before you speak and about what you speak is a good thing. Who knew?

Another reason communication-oriented verses usually catch my attention is because that’s what I’ve been taught to do – communicate effectively. It’s maddening when I realize that I missed the mark and confused others. You can’t be perfect, but dude, I got my degree in communications. Surely I ought to do the job well!

Proverbs 10:8 The wise in heart accept commands, but a chattering fool comes to ruin.

Proverbs 10:19 When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise.

Ever feel like you said a lot of something but in reality said nothing? Oh yes…

Proverbs 10:9 The man of integrity walks securely, but he who takes crooked paths will be found out.

Proverbs 10:25 When the storm has swept by, the wicked are gone, but the righteous stand firm forever.

Know where you stand and where you’re going or you’ll fall of the track and be destroyed by the storms to come. Yikes.

Proverbs 10:13 Wisdom is found on the lips of the discerning, but a rod is for the back of him who lacks judgment.

Proverbs 10:20 The tongue of the righteous is choice silver, but the heart of the wicked is of little value.

Proverbs 10:21 The lips of the righteous nourish many, but fools die for lack of judgment.

Proverbs 10:32 The lips of the righteous know what is fitting, but the mouth of the wicked only what is perverse.

Words matter, often more than we want to accept. Unfortunately, learning to use wise words often comes from moments of foolishness. This is one reason I don’t pray for wisdom. : )

Day 819: Dessert

Romans 5 is rather like dessert after pouring through Romans 1-4. I’m not sure why, but this chapter seems to help tie everything together. Perhaps it’s because the first handful of verses are somewhat inspirational and motivational. Regardless, I was eager to read (and re-read) chapter 5.  

Romans 5:1-2 Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand.  

Faith and hope are two of the many recurrent themes throughout Paul’s letters. As my text notes describes it, this peace with God is not merely a subjective feeling but primarily an objective status. We moved from being enemies of God (due to our sinfulness we couldn’t enter his presence) to beloved friends. The notes continue to say that Jesus ushered us into God’s presence. He (literally) tore the dividing curtain in the temple to let all into God’s presence. We’re no longer distant from God; we’re moving with him and through him daily now. 

Romans 5:3- 5 Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope. And hope does not disappoint us, because God has poured out his love into our hearts by the Holy Spirit, whom he has given us.  

Really, these verses state the obvious. When you struggle and overcome, you emerge stronger. Yesterday as I was preparing for one of my classes, one of my textbooks emphasized that individuals who don’t have the white-heterosexual-Christian-middle class-male status are often more highly developed than those who fit that mold. It’s not that those individuals can’t fully develop, but they’re not faced with those challenges that others experience. The experiences of needing to overcome obstacles forces individuals to either grow from it or wallow in it.

I have a lot to learn and more character-building to undergo in the years to come, which is a bit intimidating and downright exciting. Through whatever may come, it’s liberating to have hope.  My notes say that “The believer’s hope is not to be equated with unfounded optimism. On the contrary, it is the blessed assurance of our future destiny and is based on God’s love, which is revealed to us by the Holy Spirit and objectively demonstrated to us in the death of Christ….” How exciting! 

Romans 5:6-8 You see, at just the right time, when we were still powerless, Christ died for the ungodly. Very rarely will anyone die for an unrighteous man, though for a good man, someone might possibly dare to die. But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.  

I love that it says “at just the right time” it all happened. I have so much more to learn about the Old Testament and its prophets, but it’s exciting to be able to link stories and passages to Jesus. So much in the Bible prepares readers for the coming of Christ – it’s jam-packed with foreshadowing. 

These verses also make me rethink my understanding of compassion. I’d like to think that I’d be totally willing to sacrifice myself so that someone else might live. (Enter Pride, an ever-present enemy.) But… to sacrifice yourself for others who clearly don’t deserve it – that may be harder than I’d like to accept.

Romans 5:18-19 Consequently, just as the result of one trespass was condemnation for all men, so also the result of one act of righteousness was justification that brings life for all men. For just as through the disobedience of the one man (Adam), the many were made sinners, so also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous. 

All is not lost. Adam sinned and we fell from grace, but Jesus brought it back. Though one man failed, another saved the day (and the world). Sweet victory.

Day 789: Abraham’s Kids

Yet another “Wow – what a day!” It seems this entire semester, really this year, has been that way. I guess that’s a good thing – life goes on!

Partly why this year has been so incredible is how things have fallen into place – some in totally unexpected ways. I’ve gotten a real kick from these little jolts of surprises and blessings – both the good and bad. For instance, tonight at church I was thinking about my many concerns about projects, activities and loved ones and worrying about how to approach them. All of our songs that night focused completely on being led by God and trusting in God. (“He Leadeth Me,” “I Will Trust in You,” etc.) How humbling and smile-inducing.

Romans 4 

Sometimes I think you have to sit back and let parts of Romans settle over you before diving in again. It’s a lot to take in.

Romans 4:18, 20-22 Against all hope, Abraham in hope believed and so became the father of many nations, just as it had been said to him, “So shall your offspring be.” … he did not waver through unbelief regarding the promise of God, but was strengthened in his faith & gave glory to God, being fully persuaded that God had power to do what he had promised. That is why “it was credited to him as righteousness.”  

Paul reminds his readers that Abraham was considered righteous, though he had no law to follow. He was righteous through faith. As usual, Paul plays with the language and application of text from the Old Testament by stating that everyone is Abraham’s child (refer to Romans 4:11-12). What a way to mess around with the Romans’ heads!  

Romans 4:23-24 The words “it was credited to him” were written not for him alone, but also for us, to whom God will credit righteousness – for us who believe in him who raised Jesus our Lord from the dead. 

Again, Paul emphasizes how the Word is integral to our lives, both now and after. God had a plan that Abraham could hardly imagine. His plan is being more clearly illustrated to us now, yet it’s still somewhat hidden. The plan begins and ends with Jesus. Wow.

Day 678: The Necessity of the Law

Quite frankly, reading through Romans has been frustrating this week. Two main problems have hindered me: I’ve grown up learning passages from Romans, if not memorizing them, and Paul rarely seems to get to the point. He’s thorough and logical, but frustrating. Your patience is appreciated.

Romans 1-3

Romans 1:20 For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities – his eternal power and divine nature – have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that men are without excuse.

Paul immediately refutes the idea that men may not know of God’s existence. He declares that God’s works are clearly seen in creation. Though his qualities may not be prominently seen, they are understood. That statement packs quite a punch.

Romans 2:6-11 God “will give to each person according to what he has done.” To those who by persistence in doing good seek glory, honor and immorality, he will give eternal life. But for those who are self-seeking and who reject the truth and follow evil, there will be wrath and anger. There will be trouble and distress for every human being who does evil; first for the Jew, then for the Gentile; but glory, honor and peace for everyone who does good: first for the Jew, then for the Gentile. For God does not show favoritism.

My text notes make sure to point out that in this passage, Paul doesn’t state that salvation is based on works. Rather, he is “discussing the principle of judgment according to deeds.” One can’t worship and follow God if one is making anti-God decisions. Granted, I cringe when reading about the wrath and anger to come for those who don’t follow him. Yet the last verse (11) ties it all together – God doesn’t show favoritism. God is just. He wouldn’t be God if he was wishy-washy and unstable. Like it or not, that’s an enduring, godlike and necessary characteristic.

Romans 2:25 Circumcision has value if you observe the law, but if you break the law, you have become as though you had not been circumcised.

A recurring theme throughout Romans is Paul’s declaration that one’s nationality does not determine one’s salvation. God’s people does not only include Jews, it also includes Gentiles. Even further, the law is no longer God’s standard for salvation among his people. In actuality, it never was completely. Yes, the people needed to follow his commands completely, however this was also determined by the manner of their hearts as they did so. Were they doing it as an act of worship and commitment to God or in an arrogant and selfish manner? Circumcision is more than just a medical and legal procedure, it’s a declaration of commitment to God.

Romans 3:3-4 What if some did not have faith? Will their lack of faith nullify God’s faithfulness? Not at all! Let God be true, and every man be a liar. As it is written: “So that you may be proved right when you speak and prevail when you judge.”

My text notes state that “God is faithful to his promises and would punish Israel for its unbelief… God’s punishment of sin exhibits his faithfulness to his righteous character.” Talk about uncomfortable! Paul’s statement that our lack of faith does not nullify God’s faithfulness is encouraging. As referred to previously in this blog, being faithful is hard work. I’m thankful that God’s faithfulness doesn’t stop when our faith begins to fade. Otherwise, I (and many others) would be (quite literally) hopeless.

However, God’s necessity for punishment to sustain his righteousness is unsettling. It makes sense, but the thought of others hurting and struggling bothers me. Yet, sometimes we need that awareness of punishment to motivate us to do good. Of course, God wants us to want to follow him and obey his commands, but we’re not always that way. Sometimes cold, hard facts are necessary for motivation.

Romans 3:19-20 Now we know that whatever the law says, it says to those who are under the law, so that every mouth may be silenced and the whole world held accountable to God. Therefore no one will be declared righteous in his sight by observing the law; rather, through the law we become conscious of sin.

Sometimes we need a manual of do’s and don’ts. That’s what the law was and is. It declares what God declares to be good and to be evil. If anything, we need the law for instructions and guidelines.

Romans 3:22-25 This [new] righteousness from God comes through faith in Jesus Christ to all who believe. There is no difference, for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified freely by his grace through the redemption that came by Christ Jesus. God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement… He did this to demonstrate his justice…

What a declaration of freedom! We once lived under the law, now Christ’s sacrifice has freed us. The law still matters, after all, it helped us realize what sin is and how it separates us from God. However, Christ’s great sacrifice gave us (undeserved) justice for our sins. God found a way to bring us close to his side, even if it meant sacrificing his son. As a non-parent, that’s hard to comprehend, but I do know it’s a big deal.

Romans 3:31 Do we, then, nullify the law by this faith? Not at all! Rather, we uphold the law.

It all clicks into place! The law was needed to prepare us for Christ’s coming and his sacrifice. The law is needed to hold us accountable, but he’s the one who saved us.

Day: 312.5 R-E-S-P-E-C-T

Today was another day spent loving what I do, even when I wanted to yawn myself into oblivion. (Why is it that a full night’s rest is more exhausting the next day than a shortened night? Geez…) It’s awesome knowing that you’re right where you need to and hoped to be.

Selected verses from Leviticus 24-27 highlight God’s clear intentions and desires for his people: obey him, have faith in him, and treat one another respectfully. After reviewing my notes, I realized how often I must remind myself to follow these simple tenets.

Leviticus 25:17 Do not take advantage of each other, but fear your God. I am the Lord your God.

This is a running theme throughout Leviticus (and the Pentateuch in general). Don’t devalue one another by mistreating each other. Act as the Lord wants you to. Treat others with dignity and honored creations of the Lord.

Leviticus 25:18 Follow my decrees and be careful to obey my laws, and you will live safely in the land. Then the land will yield its fruit and you will eat your fill and live there in safety.

God’s command is well-illustrated by Israel’s history. When they adhere to his commands, they flourish. When they don’t, they live in famine (literally and otherwise).

Leviticus 25:23 The land must not be sold permanently, because the land is mine and you are but aliens and my tenants.

Leviticus 26:13 I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt so that you would no longer be slaves to the Egyptians; I broke the bars of your yoke and enabled you to walk with heads held high.

God is the one in control. The people’s grumbling and worries accomplish nothing. As God states in verses 19-22, he’ll provide for the people. 26:13 restates how God freed his people from Egypt and shame. They must rely completely on him and not their own possessions or strengths. They can do great things only through God.

Leviticus 26:14-39 Life will suck big time if you turn away from God. He lists the numerous ways he’ll punish the people for turning away from them and describes the escalating agony and punishment. But at verse 40 he says that confession will heal them. He’ll inflict disaster on them until they realize and accept their sinfulness and come back to him. God will never forget his people, but they will no longer reflect the blessedness of being God’s children if they reject him. He’ll gladly take them back, if they confess their sinfulness and turn back to him.

Time to wrap it up! Back to the books then sweet Yoga…. mm.

Day 2,364: Where She’d Go?

Geeze louise! I’d apologize again, but it’s not worth it. Hopefully, now that we’ve had spring break, I’ll jump back into recording my thoughts better. Too much has been going on since my last post that this got put on the back-burner.

It’s nice to be back in Stilly after spending time with family, collecting golf balls, dining on delicious food, going MAD with Mom and Dad, getting set for NYC, and avoiding schoolwork completely. Jumping back in isn’t near as difficult now. Thank goodness!

I’ve been reading (almost) daily, but only typed up notes for Leviticus. Enjoy. Share any thoughts you have.

Leviticus 11 – 17

We learned in Monty’s Pentateuch class that 11:44 is essentially the thesis statement of Leviticus. It’s simple and seemingly obvious, but challenging to pursue.

Leviticus 11:44 I am the Lord your God; consecrate yourselves and be holy, because I am holy…

Quite frankly, all of the unclean foods (and everything else!) doesn’t make a lot of sense to me. Many of God’s commands were made so his people would physically be healthier but they also were a means to set them aside as his people. They truly would be pursuing righteousness as an indicator of God’s mark on them. It helps to refer back to the thesis to remember God’s guiding point – be holy because I’m holy. Pursue righteousness because I am righteous. Obey and love me because I am in control and I love you. Simple to say. Not so easy to do.

However, my feminist side screams whenever I read the passage about purification after childbirth (Lev. 12). After giving birth to a son, a woman is unclean for 7 days, yet after having a daughter, she’s unclean for 2 weeks. Why? Is it because eventually that little girl will grow up, become a woman and receive the “bonus” of menstruation? This symbolizes the bleeding to come? God, I don’t understand.

Lev. 13 discusses how to deal with infectious skin diseases.

“If a disease breaks out all over one’s skin and, so far as the priest can see, it covers all the skin of the infected person from head to foot… the priest is to examine him, and if the disease covers his whole body, he shall pronounce that person clean” (11:12-13).

Perhaps I’m being difficult, but does that mean the priest had to examine the individual from head to foot? If so, what did he do about women who had diseases? Did the priests’ wives deal with that or did women just have to deal with it? (And become unclean again, since they seemed to be invariably unclean from having periods…)

Leviticus, which was particularly important to Levite priests, illustrates the importance of priests among the Israelites. They not only served as spiritual guides, but also spiritual butchers, doctors, healers, law givers and more. Being a Levite was no small thing.

Lev. 13:45-46 The person with such an infectious disease must wear torn clothes, let his hair be unkempt, cover the lower part of his face and cry out, “Unclean! Unclean!” As long as he has the infection he remains unclean. He must live alone; he must live outside the camp.

I understand why God declared this. This was to protect the community’s health, set aside time for healing, and declare the absolute stance the people must take to be clean. However, it saddens me to visualize someone in this state. Did they have to keep declaring “Unclean!” until their voices became hoarse? Or only when others were around? I know their time outside the camp wasn’t terribly long, but it still gets to me. Being outside of God’s cleanness is lonely and desolate. It’s not a vacation. God wanted his people to realize that.

Lev. 15:31 You must keep the Israelites separate from things that make them unclean, so that they will not die in their uncleanness for defiling my dwelling place, which is among them.

 Another reminder of God’s thesis statement. It also reminds us that if you’re unclean, you can’t come near God. Even if it is a normal bodily symptom – menstruation or sex – you can’t approach God with that on you. He desires absolute purity, even purity from yourself.

 The story of the scapegoat is striking (Lev. 16:20-22). All the sins of the people are annually placed upon the shoulders of a goat sent out into the desert. I hope God took good care of all those goats sent out to bear sins.

Lev. 17:10-12 Any Israelite or any alien living among them who eats any blood – I will set my face against that person who eats blood and will cut him off from his people. For the life of a creature is in the blood, and I have giving it to you to make atonement for yourselves on the altar; it is the blood that makes atonement for one’s life. Therefore I say to the Israelites, “None of you may eat blood, nor may an alien living among you eat blood.”

 I often forget the great value God places on life, especially while pouring through all the regulations of righteousness and the numerous necessary sacrifices to maintain that righteousness. This passage is a reminder that the life given, the blood sacrificed, is precious and sacred. The people mustn’t play with the symbolism of the blood. Life was offered to God. Respect that life by leaving that only to him, which also respects the life of the creature sacrificed. A bonus to this command is that, yet again, the Israelites would not be confused with other people, who did drink blood.

17 & 18: Oh Jacob!

For the past few days, I’ve been reading the chapters below from Genesis and Proverbs. Sometimes I think I know these passages from heart. Growing up in the church, I always read the Old Testament, especially Genesis, when I couldn’t stay awake for the minister’s sermons. As a result, I probably have them a bit too well memorized and had a lot of questions for my mother about what “concubines” were and the like.

Passages from Days 17 & 18 are combined below.

Genesis 27-31; Genesis 32-36

When he reached a certain place, he stopped for the night because the sun had set. Taking one of the stones there, he put it under his head and lay down to sleep. (28:12)

 Early the next morning Jacob took the stone he had placed under his head and set it up as a pillar and poured oil on top of it. He called that place Bethel, though the city used to be called Luz. (28:18-19)

Perhaps this is irrelevant, but I’ve always wondered – just how big was the stone he slept on? I’m assuming it was big enough to act as a solid pillow, but part of me can’t help but imagine Jacob as a young man standing up a dinky stone a little larger than his head, anointing it with oil, and declaring it to be a holy place, “the House of God.” Really, the visual is irreverently funny.

I always find it incredible that God decided to use Jacob as the father of Israel. From what the author tells us, he wasn’t a great role model in his youth. He definitely deserves a trophy for outstandingly bad choices – taking his brother’s birthright and his father’s blessing, lying to his father, marrying two sisters (setting himself up for disaster), becoming a wife collector, trying to manipulate the flock’s breeding season, running away from his father-in-law, favoritism among his sons… and so forth.

The more critically I view Jacob, the more human I realize he was and can also see how much he was willing to grow. He really did want to know God and follow Him. When he made mistakes, he did it in a big way. God still chose him.

Then Jacob prayed, “O God of my father Abraham, God of my father, Issac, O Lord, who said to me, ‘Go back to your country and your relatives, and I will make you prosper,’ I am unworthy of all the kindness and faithfulness you have shown your servant. I had only my staff when I crossed this Jordan, but now I have become two groups. Save me, I pray, from the hand of my brother, Esau, for I am afraid he will come and attack me and also the mothers with their children. But you have said, ‘I will surely make you prosper and will make your descendants like the sand of the sea, which cannot be counted.’” (32:9-12)

But Esau ran to meet Jacob and embraced him; he threw his arms around his neck and kissed him. And they wept. (33:4)

Not too shabby for a reunion, huh? Of course, after giving Esau a large gift of livestock, Jacob deceived him and went in the opposite direction that he said he would. He was consistent, if frustrating.

Let’s stop here and return to more of Genesis tomorrow. A lot happens in these chapters and much of it ought to be noted.

Proverbs 2; Proverbs 3

Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name  in the sight of God and man. Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight. Do not be wise in your own eyes; fear the LORD and shun evil. This will bring health to your body and nourishment to your bones. (3:3-8)

Word of wisdom from a man who asked God for it. I love the passage above, even though it isn’t easy and I often fail at it. It’s something to strive for. Sometimes, it’s true, you must literally remind yourself to hold tightly to love and faithfulness and to trust in the Lord completely. Again – not easy.

Reminder for today:

Do not withhold good from those who deserve it, when it is in your power to act. (3:27)

Day 16: Seeking a Good Woman & Wisdom

Genesis 23-26

Then he prayed, “O Lord, God of my master Abraham, give me success today, and show kindness to my master Abraham. See, I am standing beside this spring, and the daughters of the townspeople are coming out to draw water. May it be that when I say to a girl, ‘Please let down your jar that I may have a drink,’ and she says ‘Drink, and I’ll water your camels too’ – let her be the one you have chosen for your servant Issac. By this I will know that you have shown kindness to my master.” (24:12-14)

Abraham helped instill faith within his household, not only in his children, but also in his servants. This unnamed servant demonstrated a remarkable loyalty to Abraham and his Lord. Also, praying for a girl to offer to water the camels, too, wasn’t a small statement. Watering camels takes a lot of work. (Thus the phrase, “You drink like a camel!”) He wanted a woman with a servant heart for his master’s son. She arrived before he’d even finished praying (v. 15).

Without saying a word, the man watched her closely to learn whether or not the Lord had made his journey successful. (24:21)

He soon finds out that Rebekah is one of Abraham’s great-nieces and perfectly suitable for Issac. (Culture and the Lord’s commands play a big role here, since now we’d consider that abominable.) After adorning her with trinkets, meeting her family, and retelling his story, Rebekah decides to leave with him and Issac discovers love.

Unfortunately, their sweet romance doesn’t end entirely happily. Their troublesome twins, Esau and Jacob, soon divided the family with their fights over privilege and power.

Proverbs 1

For the waywardness of the simple will kill them,
       and the complacency of fools will destroy them;

but whoever listens to me will live in safety
       and be at ease, without fear of harm.” (1:32-33)

It is not that we won’t have troubles or pain, but rather, that we’ll have peace and contentment that all is well. Our future is secure. Our hearts are steadfast in Him and no other. Why trust in yourself when you know you can fail? Wisdom through God doesn’t.

 

Day 15: Searching for a Steadfast Faith

Psalm 24

Who may ascend the hill of the Lord? Who may stand in his holy place?

He who has clean hands and a pure heart, who does not lift up his soul to an idol or swear by what is false. (24:3-4)

 This passage has always called out to me, especially the verses cited above. It’s not because I have clean hands (guiltless actions) and a pure heart (right attitudes and motives), rather that’s what I yearn for. Also realizing how many times I put my trust in false idols, such as planners, computers, schoolwork, myself… is humbling (and frustrating). I know I’m not there yet, and probably never will be, but it keeps me searching. I believe that with time, experience and wisdom and I can become more of the person who may ascend the hill of the Lord and may stand in his holy place.

My Bible’s text notes also state that Psalm 24 may be celebrating the Lord’s entrance into Zion – when David brought the ark to Jerusalem or for a festival commemorating its return. The people were thrilled to have the ark back, which represented that God was among the people again. The ark was not God, but it was a physical reminder to them that they must continually offer themselves to God through their lives and through their service. If they did, He’d remain among them, His chosen people.

Psalm 84

Blessed are those whose strength is in you, who have set their hearts on pilgrimage. As they pass through the Valley of Baca, they make it a place of springs; the autumn rains also cover it with pools. They go from strength to strength, till each appears before God in Zion. (84:5-7)

O Lord Almighty blessed is the man who trusts in you. (84:12)

Text notes:

• A prayer of longing for the house of the Lord.
• “pilgrimage” – literally “in those whose hearts are (the) highways,” highways the Israelites took to observes the religious festivals at Jerusalem.
• The joyful expectations of the pilgrims transforms the difficult was into places of refreshment.
• “strength to strength” – whatever the toils and hardships of the journey.

Sometimes it’s so easy to get stuck in certain paths, lifestyles and choices that it’s hard to remember to hold a pilgrimage in our hearts. This world is not our home. There’s something better after this life. In the meantime, we must hold a pilgrimage in our hearts – to go where God leads and stay where He tells us to stay. In all times, we must trust in Him. Easier said than done, but totally worth it.

John 20-21

 ”Woman,” he said, “Why are you crying? Who is it you are looking for?”

Thinking he was the gardener, she said, “Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have put him and I will get him.”

Jesus said to her, “Mary.”

She turned toward him and cried out in Aramaic, “Rabboni!” (which means Teacher). (20:15-16)

This is possibly one of my favorite after-the-Resurrection stories of Jesus. All he had to say was “Mary” and she knew who he was. Something in his voice (or perhaps even how he said her name) opened her eyes and ears to who was standing with her. Her beloved Teacher. (The fact that a woman considered him her Teacher is another topic for further discussion.) I like to imagine how her eyes must have grown wide and she hurriedly wiped away tears to get a better look at him. Did she immediately wrap her arms around him in a joyous hug or did she hesitantly approach him in wonder? Can you imagine how often she re-lived that moment as time passed? Also, the fact that Jesus chose to reveal himself to a woman first was striking for the culture and the time period.

Then he said to Thomas, “Put your finger here; see my hands. Reach out your hand and put it into my side. Stop doubting and believe.”

Thomas said to him, “My Lord and my God!”

Then Jesus told him, “Because you have seen me, you have believed; blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed.” (20:27-29)

We often criticize Thomas as the one who doubted, but as John 11:16 describes him, he was also capable of great devotion and courage. I often forget that Thomas didn’t have the Bible to show him that Jesus had indeed risen from death and was walking among the people. People just don’t come back to life from death, especially from being brutally crucified. He probably also felt confused and lost since Jesus had revealed himself to everyone but him. Thomas wanted to see for himself, to know that his beloved friend was alive.

It’s true – he should have believed, but we also must remember that Thomas was human, just like us, and subject to flaws. I’m also confident that after seeing Jesus, Thomas had a new perspective on life and a mighty faith.

Jesus’ blessing for those who believe though they have not seen is so comforting. That’s us. We haven’t seen him, yet we believe. He sent out his disciples to share the most incredible love story on earth (and everywhere else) for us, future generations. That’s vision, and big love.