SOAP 06/07/2014; Ecclesiastes 5:15

Today's reading: Ecclesiastes 4, 5, 6; Psalm 18; Ephesians 3

S) "¹⁵ As he had come naked from his mother’s womb, so will he return as he came. He will take nothing from the fruit of his labor that he can carry in his hand."

Ecclesiastes 5:15 (NASB)

O) The Teacher was speaking on the futility of possessions. Interestingly, this statement (which is, indeed, truth) is in fairly stark contrast to most of the religious beliefs at the time. Many of the oldest religions believed that, if you led a good enough life, you could take some possessions with you into the afterlife. So, many successful people would buried themselves with some of their most prized possessions. The truth, however, is as the Teacher says, although the tone of this verse, is decidedly negative, especially in context with the rest of the chapter.

A) This is not unlike a phrase my mother always used to tell us kids, growing up. Anytime we would argue or complain about material things, she would holler, "It's all gonna burn, anyway!" The reminder is, just as the Teacher says, that the things of this world will pass away. It's actually a truth echoed many times in the new testament, as a reminder that the temporal things are the least important. What must be especially remembered, though, is that chasing possessions isn't only a waste of time, but will cause bitterness in the soul, as we realize the futility of it, in light of the eternal.

P) Father, set my soul free from the desire of temporal, material things. This world, and all that is in it, is passing away. Let my heart be tied to the eternal things. Change the desires of my heart, to be after love, peace, and the knowledge of You, LORD. Let me build up relationships, and invest in people, and spreading the gospel, and being obedient to Your every move. Open my eyes to see the things that I already have, as what they are - passing away. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 06/06/2014; Ecclesiastes 1:17-18

Today's reading: Ecclesiastes 1, 2, 3; Psalm 45; Ephesians 2

S) "¹⁷ And I set my mind to know wisdom and to know madness and folly; I realized that this also is striving after wind. ¹⁸ Because in much wisdom there is much grief, and increasing knowledge results in increasing pain."

Ecclesiastes 1:17-18 (NASB)

O) These verses kind of set the premise of the entire book of Ecclesiastes. Although this book is officially written anonymously, its authorship belonging to King Solomon is rarely disputed. These verses show the root of Solomon's struggle. Although he had unprecedented wisdom and knowledge, he lacked answers for one of the eternal struggles of man: peace of mind. Very early in his reign, he had a clearly defined mission. His father, King David, charged him with the construction of the LORD's temple. After that was finished, though, he seems to become aimless. While he was able to lead Israel in political and economic prosperity for 40 years, he lacked the personal relationship with the LORD that his father had (evinced by his polygamy and concubines, which led to his eventual idolatry). All of the wisdom and knowledge he could ever acquire, could never give him what he really needed.

A) This phenomenon is neither new, since Solomon is quite old; nor old, since some of the most brilliant thinkers of the modern world were famously vexed. You know what the evidence is, that my wife is smarter than me? Because in her wisdom and knowledge, she experienced much grief and pain (I use past-tense for the reasons explained below). In thanks, I concede that I have not struggled with anxiety in my past. My wisdom or knowledge, whatever their relative measure, have never caused me grief or pain. But, I know enough to know I don't know enough. The only useful wisdom is from God (see 1 Corinthians 1:19-21). Even so, there can be a heavy burden that comes with that kind of understanding. The key for me to remember, as I ask God for wisdom and knowledge, is that it must come with purpose, His purpose. When I understand His purpose, then I understand that the burden of the wisdom and knowledge is not my own, but His. Being fully submitted to Him, to His plans and sovereignty, gives me freedom from the responsibility of end results. Solomon struggled to find peace, because (and you see this as you continue through Ecclesiastes) he kept thinking things out to their end results, and his wisdom and knowledge couldn't change the end results. Understanding that the end results are not dependent on my wisdom and knowledge, but on God's will manifested, removes the anxiety that would otherwise come. When anxieties come up now, for my wife, this is how she obtains peace. So, I pray and ask God, and act in obedience, and leave the rest up to Him.

P) Father, I ask You for wisdom and knowledge, according to Your will, that I might be used more to further Your plans, Your kingdom, Your purposes. When wisdom and knowledge are given, and I thank You for them, please reveal to me the part I play in the moment. Show me, open my eyes and ears, that I might act in obedience to Your instruction, so that I will trust You for the end results. Thank You for the mercy given, when I fail in my obedience, and thank You for the grace, that I am not responsible for making Your plans succeed, when I do obey. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 06/05/2014; Proverbs 30:6

Today's reading: Proverbs 30, 31; Psalm 33; Ephesians 1

S) "⁶ Do not add to His words,
    or He will rebuke you and prove you a liar."

Proverbs 30:6 (NASB)

O) There is a similar passage to this, warning in Revelation 22:18-19, not to add to prophecy. Somehow, it's the Revelation verse that was always quoted to me, when warning to be careful with the words of God. Then, it was pointed out to me later in life, that the verse could have been taken out of context, since it was referring to the book of Revelation directly. However, this proverb makes it quite clear - it doesn't matter where, or how God speaks - we cannot add to His words. The rebuke of the LORD is dangerous, and painful, and even lethal.

A) The main key here, is a proper fear of the LORD. There is a heavy responsibility, when dealing with the Scriptures. But, there's also a comfort level in that, because the Bible is firm, and established, tested as true. But, it becomes very, very difficult, to know when God is speaking to me directly, and how to proceed with that. Testing those words, those prayers, against the Bible again, is the most sure way. God will not contradict Himself. If I'm adding to His words, He'll prove me a liar. If He is adding to His words (and to clarify, I mean current, specific instructions or applications, not some new, vague, or even mystical interpretation), He'll prove Himself true, again and again.

P) Father, I invite You to speak into my life, to directly speak to me. Open my ears to hear, and my eyes to see, and let me know Your words directly. Show me how to measure my prayers, dreams, or visions with (and of) You, against Your established Word. Continue to impress upon me, the responsibility that comes along with having, and knowing Your words. Prove me a liar, anytime I get things wrong. Rebuke me according to Your will and grace. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 06/04/2014; Psalm 60:11

Today's reading: Proverbs 28, 29; Psalm 60; Romans 16

S) "¹¹ O give us help against the adversary,
For deliverance by man is in vain."

Psalm 60:11 (NASB)

O) Like in so many of the Psalms written by David, he was being literal when he says "adversary," here. That can make it a little difficult to envision, since I haven't been in a physical fight in years - even then, I probably should have suffered loss. But, we're reminded in Ephesians 6:12, that we do not fight against flesh and blood, but we're reminded throughout the New Testament, that our adversaries are very real, but spiritual in nature. So, while the second half of this verse was true for David, for a lot of reasons, it becomes even more important for us, as modern believers.

A) In David's wartime struggle, accepting the help of man (another king/country), only meant that you went from one oppressive ruler, to being indebted to another ruler. In my life, that is still true, even if it's a little harder to apply. The easiest way to consider that application, is financially. For example, if I consolidated my debt, I would no longer owe the original lenders, but I'd still owe someone. People are never going to give the same freedom that the LORD will. Beyond the physical, though, there is the spiritual struggle of things. Man, in all of our scientific advancements and discoveries, will never be able to instill hope, faith, peace, or love - but those are the very things people need the most. Whatever my struggle, however it is physically manifested, wherever it is spiritually originated, only God can give true deliverance. He can use man to execute that, to be His hands and feet, but I should not be seeking man, because my help comes from the LORD.

P) Father, I face struggles everyday, God. Even now, I can list so many unresolved sources of strife and worry, but I know that all of my problems have a single solution - to find You. As I seek You, and Your kingdom, Jesus promised that all of the rest would be handled by You. I know I have a part to play, a responsibility to obey, and I commit to obedience, but help me take the focus off of my problems, and put my focus back on You. Help me to trust that You hold every solution in Your more-than-capable hands. Your plans, Your answers are perfect, in their design, in their appropriation, and I just need to seek You, and listen to You. Open my eyes to see, and my ears to hear, that as I seek You, I do not miss what You have in store for me. Let me seek deliverance from every hardship, by seeking Your help alone. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 06/03/2014; Proverbs 27:10

Today's reading: Proverbs 25, 26, 27; Romans 15

S) "¹⁰ Do not forsake your own friend or your father’s friend,
And do not go to your brother’s house in the day of your calamity;
Better is a neighbor who is near than a brother far away."

Proverbs 27:10 (NASB)

O) It's worth noting that Solomon's father was King David. So, while this verse is pretty straight-forward instruction, putting it in context gives it a little more room for application. David's friends would have fallen into one of two camps: political or close. In a similar way, King Solomon's would have been the same, purposefully proposed friendships, or closely trusted confidants. It's also worth noting that Solomon's ascension to the throne was contested by his brother Adonijah, with the apparent support of his other brothers (see SOAP 05/16/2014). This is also beyond Absolom, who sought to usurp the kingdom from their father, David. So, during the period when Solomon was taking the throne, he discovered the truth as expressed in the above verse. This is really pointing out that we cannot assume familial support, but we should welcome the authentic support of those who will give it.

A) I had a lot of trouble applying this verse to my life for a long time. First of all, when I was growing up, my brothers were my closest friends. When I became a dad and started serving God again, my oldest brother (Joshua) was - without hyperbole - the best example of what it means that Jesus is our oldest brother (the first heir, as we are co-heirs with him; see Romans 8:16-17). Shortly after that, I moved to the same town as him, literally 5 doors down from him in the same apartment building. That made him a God-fearing, friend, and neighbor. Then, as we grew in Christ together, we moved into separate areas of the same town, so we were never very far apart. He was easily the closest counsel I had, and continued to be a blessing to my life for all of those 5 years. Then I moved back home, up to Washington. I soon felt the absence of my brother and close friend. It was easy enough to stay in touch, but I still felt the distance. Before we moved, though, Kristin and I prayed, again and again, for God to provide the ways for us to move, including establishing, and leading us to, our new church home. It wasn't long before we found Canyon Hills Community Church, and shortly after that, we were in our Life Group. Over and over, we saw the fruit that evinced God's hand in it all. But, until a few weeks ago, I didn't see the above verse lived-out. The men in my Life Group have made deliberate decisions to become more authentic, accountable, and vulnerable with each other. I recently had a very, very difficult conversation with my dad, and I reached out to one of them for help (Andrew). God proved Himself faithful again, using him to speak the exact truth, encouragement, and counsel I needed to hear. I am excited to see what God can do through my new friendships, how He might use us to bless each other.

P) Father, thank You for providing new relationships in my life! Help me also, to faithfully serve these friends, who are nearer than my brothers. Help us to be unified by the Holy Spirit within us, to serve each other in love, humility, and honesty. Remind us to pray for one another, and to bear one another up, to become as true brothers in Christ. Bless these friendships, that they would glorify Your name, and honor You, our Lord. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 06/02/2014; Proverbs 22:24-25

Today's reading: Proverbs 22, 23, 24; Romans 14

S) "²⁴ Do not associate with a man given to anger;
Or go with a hot-tempered man,
²⁵ Or you will learn his ways
And find a snare for yourself."

Proverbs 22:24-25 (NASB)

O) This is a pretty heavy warning. Like many of the warnings in the Proverbs, there is no room for negotiation here. By saying, "you will," there is no argument about this outcome. On 05/31/2014, I wrote briefly about how to become a man who is slow to anger. This is a reminder about how easy it is to become quick to anger. It's important, I think, that the instruction is not to "associate" with easily angered person. The underlying message, here, is that anger is contagious, and people are impressionable (despite our denials).

A) Even at my worst, I was not prone to a lot of foul language. During the time I was backslidden, I didn't really care what God thought of my language, but I was still working an office job, and Kristin (now my wife) was put-off by bad language, so I was not often cussing. There was a specific exception, though: When I played the fighting videogame, "Tekken" (especially the third game). Most often, I was playing with other people (my brother mostly, or a few friends). When I played that game, especially against my brother, my language went straight-vulgar. It wasn't so much that I was deeply angry at my brother (or any particular opponent), but that game, and the company I had while playing it, drew me to be very, very hot-headed. In the years since, by the grace of God, I have a better hold over my tongue, even when playing that particular game. However, it serves as a very real reminder, just how true this verse is. I am so thankful that the seriousness of my exposure was only ever about a videogame (again, by the grace of God!). If I want to continue to strive toward a slow-to-anger character, I need to be very conscious of the company I am keeping.

P) Father, continue to work on my patience, especially as it pertains to my anger. I want to be compassionate and slow to anger, just as You are, Lord. Please reveal to me, any negative influences in my life. Forgive me for my anger, where it does not belong. Help me continue to submit myself to Your authority and sovereignty, to trust You to handle what might be true injustices, because I am not called to right every wrong, or correct those around me. Help me to be a godly example, of striving to reflect Your character, especially when it comes to anger. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 06/01/2014; Proverbs 19:17

Today's reading: Proverbs 19, 20, 21; Romans 13

S) "¹⁷ One who is gracious to a poor man lends to the Lord,
And He will repay him for his good deed."

Proverbs 19:17 (NASB)

O) This verse was such a foreshadow of Matthew 25:34-40, that I couldn't ignore it. God's heart for the poor has never changed. It wasn't just Jesus who was moved with compassion when He saw the lowly. This verse is another example that shows that the compassion of the LORD didn't suddenly appear with the birth of Jesus.

A) It is never my place to question the history, testimony, or circumstance of a poor person. When God is moving me, calling me to act with compassion, and reach out to help the poor, I am called to obey that command to lend to the needy, not qualify their need. It's sad, to a degree, to think that I need the assurance of the LORD's repayment for my good deed; however, it is a comfort that God chooses that assurance for us. It is especially encouraging to think that, if I am giving out of my own need, that the LORD will essentially be my backer, taking care of my in turn, because He will repay what I give, and not forget the needs I may still have.

P) Father, forgive me for the selfishness and fear, which have prevented me from obeying Your commands to give. There have been plenty of people, plenty of circumstances, that I am sure I failed to give when You called me to give. But, I thank You for the mercy You have given me, and the grace that You will continue to involve me. I am thankful to be used, LORD, according to Your will. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.