SOAP 06/14/2014; 2 Chronicles 13:12

Today's reading: 1 Kings 15; 2 Chronicles 13, 14; Philippians 4

S) "¹² Now behold, God is with us at our head and His priests with the signal trumpets to sound the alarm against you. O sons of Israel, do not fight against the Lord God of your fathers, for you will not succeed."

2 Chronicles 13:12 (NASB)

O) There is an interesting transition in this verse. From v.5 through v.11, Abijah gave a brief history of the civil war, and the differences in faithfulness to the LORD, between Judah and Israel. Up until the above verse, it's all about the people, and what they were or were not doing. So, it came as a bit of surprise that Abijah defined Israel's opposition as, not against Judah, but against the LORD, Himself. It is another reminder, another great example, that when the LORD is for us, no one can be against us. When we keep God at our head, then our enemies are not fighting us, but fighting God.

A) The obvious action here, is to keep the LORD in focus, as my primary concern. If I am seeking Him first, then it assures that I am going to follow His will. And, if I am following His will, then my success and failures are out of my hands. So, how do I become, and remain, a winner and champion in the fights in my life? By faithfully keeping the LORD at my head, and obeying the direction of my High Priest (Jesus, see Hebrews 4:14).

P) Father, clear my focus to remain on You alone. Let me keep You firmly at the top of all of my priorities. I choose to keep You at my head, because You are worthy, mighty, sovereign, holy, righteous, just, eternal, slow to anger, and great in lovingkindness. According to Your will, deliver me from every enemy, as they are not fighting against me, but against You, LORD. Let this truth resonate within my heart, so that my faith abounds in the face of every trial and opposition. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 06/13/2014; 1 Kings 13:18

Today's reading: 1 Kings 13, 14; 2 Chronicles 12; Philippians 3

S) "¹⁸ He said to him, 'I also am a prophet like you, and an angel spoke to me by the word of the Lord, saying, "Bring him back with you to your house, that he may eat bread and drink water."' But he lied to him."

1 Kings 13:18 (NASB)

O) So, there was an unnamed prophet, who came and warned Jeroboam (Israel's king) about his wickedness. There was a sign (leprosy and healing), proving the word of the LORD with power, and the king offered this man of God a reward, but the man says he must leave immediately, by the word of God (see vv. 1-10). On his way out of town, an old prophet hears of this and stops him on his way out of town. Again, the stranger says he cannot stay (see vv. 11-17). Up to this point, this anonymous prophet has done extremely well! He was obedient, bold, and faithful to the word that the LORD gave him. Here, though, he is fooled by the older (and now false) prophet. In the end, it costs the younger his life and his grave (as told in the rest of the chapter).

A) There are a lot of reasons the man of God fails in this story (only recognized "external" threats, took the word of God for granted, gave up on his mission, etc.), but I think all of it comes down to one, fatal error. The man of God did not verify a "word from God" himself, directly with the LORD. Unfortunately, not everyone who professes to love the LORD actually does. For that matter, even someone who genuinely tries to speak truth, can sometimes miss what God is saying. But, false prophets and teachers are inevitable and foretold (see 2 Timothy 4:3; 2 Peter 2:1-3). So, the best, most sure defense against such deception, is to know the proven words of God, the Bible. And, I cannot simply read it once, taking it for granted. I need to be studying it continually, coming back to it again and again, and asking God to continue to educate me by the Holy Spirit, so that the power of the Word is effective in my life. The other huge element is constant prayer. The promised Holy Spirit is within me, so I have every reason, and no excuse not, to be in prayer continually, bringing everything back to the written Word.

 P) Father, thank You for the very real, effective, powerful presence of Your Spirit. Thank You for Your very real, effective, and powerful Word. I invite Your discipline, Lord, I'd i become complacent or lazy, or otherwise negligent with Your Word. Open my eyes and ears, to know Your truth. Increase my discernment to recognize false teachings, and false prophecies, and all falsehoods. Speak to me, and let me hear Your word, according to Your will. Teach me to be faithful and obedient with everything You've spoken. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 06/12/2014; 2 Chronicles 11:14-16

Today's reading: 1 Kings 12; 2 Chronicles 10, 11; Philippians 2

S) "¹⁴ For the Levites left their pasture lands and their property and came to Judah and Jerusalem, for Jeroboam and his sons had excluded them from serving as priests to the Lord. ¹⁵ He set up priests of his own for the high places, for the satyrs and for the calves which he had made. ¹⁶ Those from all the tribes of Israel who set their hearts on seeking the Lord God of Israel followed them to Jerusalem, to sacrifice to the Lord God of their fathers."

2 Chronicles 11:14-16 (NASB)

O) I wonder how quickly Rehoboam regretted his decision to side with his younger counselors (see 2 Chronicles 10). The resulting civil war wasn't just a political divide, but it quickly became a religious feud as well. In a stunning move (which bears its own study), the newly elected king of Israel, Jeroboam, acts quickly to establish golden calf idols for the freshly separated tribes to worship! So then, all of the faithful Levites found themselves suddenly unemployed, religiously persecuted, refugees; along with any other individuals who remained faithful to the LORD.

A) This is kind of a scary scenario, because it feels almost prophetic for our culture and world today. the majority of people, even in America, do not "set their hearts on seeking the LORD," and I wonder how far away the day is, that being faithful to the LORD will make us refugees. Am I prepared to leave my home, city, or even my country? I'd like to think I am, but it's difficult to know for sure, until I actually have to decide that. I pray I don't ever have to decide that, because those are perilous times (see Luke 21:36). However, there is a preparation, a testing, which I can (and should and will) put in place now, that will pretty plainly tell me what I'm willing to give up. That test, is in my evangelism. What's the primary reason I don't evangelize more? Fear of lost relationships. Now, it's worth clarifying, that I don't mean bullhorn-preaching. When I say I need to evangelize, I mean I need to be vocal, bold, honest, and forthright with my testimony and praise of the LORD God, who has saved me, changed me, freed me, and redeemed me. Avoiding "certain topics" because they are a little uncomfortable, is no way to prepare myself for the possibility of religious exile. It's time for me to hit the figurative pavement, before I have to hit the proverbial road.

P) Father, I pray again that I do not have to love in a country, where seeking You earnestly is treachery, but not my will be done, only Your will, God. I trust that You will continue to sustain me, through any and every opponent and obstacle. Like David, I pray that You strengthen my hands for battle, but not merely some temporal battle of flesh and blood. God, prepare me for every spiritual fight You have laid in my future. Prepare me to fight for my faith, and my family. Discipline me to be obedient now, when the Way is as easy as it will ever be. By Your will, open my eyes to see and ears to hear, so that I do not miss anything You have prepared for me. Let Your will be done. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 06/11/2014; Song of Solomon 5:3-4

Today's reading: Song of Solomon 5, 6, 7, 8; Philippians 1

S) "³ I have taken off my dress,
How can I put it on again?
I have washed my feet,
How can I dirty them again?
⁴ My beloved extended his hand through the opening,
And my feelings were aroused for him."

Song of Solomon 5:3-4 (NASB)

O) The bride was already in bed, even asleep, when the bridegroom showed up at her door with his sweet talk (v.1-2). The first verse above, shows her mindset when she woke up. She was not exactly in the mood to meet her husband. In fact, she really started listing excuses. But there was a pivotal moment, in the next verse, where her attitude changed, as he reached out to her through an opening. There is a powerful analogy made, as her husband pressed toward her, unwilling to let a wooden door, stone walls, or metal bars, keep him from the love of his life. He did everything he could, to get any amount closer to her. He found any chance there was, an opening, however small it might have been, and he pursued her presence - to be as close as he could - any way he could manage.

A) This passage sounds great on the page, but I think a lot of men might scoff. There are plenty of tropes about men badgering their wives in bed. They are shown as little more than hormones with faces, while their wives are vilified as prudes. But, you know when the above passage is real? There are two things that it requires. First, when a husband has proven to his wife that he loves her for reasons beyond sex. Second, when a husband has proven that sex does not control him. If I am consistently showing my wife that I am interested in her, knowing her, being with her, when sex isn't a consideration, or even a possibility, then it's proving that my love for her is sincere and deliberate. When I show that my libido does not control me, but I control it, then it means that my attraction to my wife is conscious and specific to her, because I decide to whom I am attracted, not my libido. So, when I do passionately pursue my wife, she knows that it's not just an overriding random chemical reaction, but it is the romantic gesture she desires.
 

P) Father, thank You for all of the grace You have given me in my marriage and life. You have been exceedingly good to me, all of the days of my life. Help me continue to grow into the husband You created me to be, into the husband that You intended Kristin to have. I invite Your discipline, to continue bringing about self-control over my flesh, not just with regard to lust, but in all temptations. Please let Kristin know that my desire is for her alone, and for her specifically. Let my desire for her be plain to her, so that she has confidence and trust in my passion toward her - not just for our physical intimacy, but for our spiritual well-being. Continue to lead me, by Your Spirit, to honor You with my marriage and life. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 06/10/2014; Song of Solomon 2:3

Today's reading: Song of Solomon 1, 2, 3, 4; Ephesians 6

S) "³ Like an apple tree among the trees of the forest,
So is my beloved among the young men.
In his shade I took great delight and sat down,
And his fruit was sweet to my taste."

Song of Solomon 2:3 (NASB)

O) This book is chalked full of symbolism and imagery. It can actually be quite racy, depending on how much you read into some of the passages. There are three voices throughout the book. The Bridegroom, the Bride, and the Chorus. This particular verse is sung by the bride, and it has a few layers. First, the designation as an apple tree in the forest, means that the husband stands out to her. He is unique to her. This symbolism shows four particular benefits for the bride, as well. First, that he covers his wife to protect her. Second, that he provides rest. Third, he sustains her with his fruit. And last, that he is sweet to her taste - he is enjoyable to her.

A) This is not the only instance of the Bible referring to people as trees. In fact, it's a fairly common theme (see Numbers 24:5-7, Luke 6:44-45, or even Mark 8:23-35). However, this is the first time when I saw the concept of "bearing fruit" (which has become such a buzz-phrase in today's Christian vernacular) being for the direct benefit of someone else. I need to take this imagery and apply it to my marriage. I need to remember that the growth I show, the fruit I bear, my very existence, is supposed to benefit my wife in every way. So, I seek growth for myself, but also for her. I seek to be strong and unshakeable for the sake of my own relationship with God, but also so that my wife can rely on me. I seek to bear good fruit for Jesus Christ (see Luke 13:6-9), but also for my wife. This is such an excellent reminder that I am not a tree standing alone. I will seek to be an apple tree among the forest, giving shade and rest, fruit that sustains and is delightful.

P) Father, I know that I do not know everything it means to be a husband. You are the bridegroom of the church, Jesus, so show me how to better be a husband to my wife. You are, Lord, an apple tree among all the forest trees. You are shade to protect me, and give me rest. Your fruit sustains me, and is a delight. Show me how to be these things for my wife. May she find those things eternally in You, Jesus Christ, her Lord. And may I emulate that, and provide it in the physical as much as You allow, according to Your will. It is my privilege to be married to such a wonderful woman, and I want to honor You with how I live my life toward her, for You, God. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 06/09/2014; Ecclesiastes 12:13-14

Today's reading: Ecclesiastes 10, 11, 12; Psalm 94; Ephesians 5

S) "¹³ The conclusion, when all has been heard, is: fear God and keep His commandments, because this applies to every person. ¹⁴ For God will bring every act to judgment, everything which is hidden, whether it is good or evil."

Ecclesiastes 12:13-14 (NASB)

O) Just as the premise of the book is kind of summed up by Ecclesiastes 1:17-18, the above verses really do sum up the conclusion. The entire book is a sort of exercise in existentialism, but in the end, this verse shows the truth. The only thing that gives life purpose and meaning, is the fact that God is real, sovereign, holy, and yet loving. His reality means that a purpose also exists; His sovereignty means that we should seek that purpose; His holiness means the purpose is perfect; His love means the perfect is possible.

A) If not for the reality of Jesus Christ, and the gospel in its entirety, I would be lost in an existential whirlpool. I honestly cannot imagine deriving any real hope, or joy, or purpose, if God was not real, sovereign, holy, and loving. Because He is all of those things, I cling to the hope I have. We live in a culture and era, wherein scientific and humanistic beliefs dominate the public forum. But, questions of hope, joy (separate from happiness), and purpose are not scientifically or humanly answered. Those questions require faith (which is where atheists will make religions out of secular principles), but the only faith which is proven, is faith in the LORD, through Jesus Christ. I want to be there with those answers, when faith in man (mankind, manmade-, etc.) fail. Because I know they will fail, and Solomon's conclusion is a foundation for spreading the gospel.

P) Father, You have already given me a spirit of boldness, so let Your Spirit encourage me now, to spread the beautiful gospel - especially with those who struggle with existential questions. Show me how to use Solomon's example, that all of the wisdom and knowledge available to man, will never give the purpose that people desire. Thank You, for the grace You have proven in my own life. Discipline me to be faithful and obedient. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 06/08/2014; Ecclesiastes 8:11

Today's reading: Ecclesiastes 7, 8, 9; Ephesians 4

S) "¹¹ Because the sentence against an evil deed is not executed quickly, therefore the hearts of the sons of men among them are given fully to do evil."

Ecclesiastes 8:11 (NASB)

O) The truth of this verse rang loud as I read it. There is tremendous mercy and love, in that the LORD is patient and slow to anger. It would be foolish for anyone to desire quick punishment from God for sins. The wages of sin is death (see Romans 6:23), but those wages are a long time coming. So, in the right context, this delay is quite the blessing. But, there is the evil, sinful nature of people. Because the consequences of sin are delayed (however severe the consequence might be), it can also tempt people to think that there is no consequence at all.

A) The first application, is that I need to remember the truest eventuality of my sins: death. Whether that is my bodily death, or the death of relationships, death of money, time, resources, the death of my freedoms - death is, without a doubt, the eventual wages of my sins. That is a motivating factor in my pursuit of righteousness (although, only a part of it).

     The second issue at hand, and possibly more important, is the raising of my children. When I discipline my children, it should be sooner than later. The more swift the discipline, the more effective it is. I am, however, lazy at times. This cannot be. It is an injustice to them, if I am not executing a sentence quickly, before their hearts can be given more to do evil. The more they can understand that the consequences of their sins are real, and the quicker they expect those consequences, the less they will judge the risks and determine they are worth it.

P) Father, I want to be an active dad for my kids. I submit myself to Your urgent, righteous discipline, to expunge laziness from my heart. May the Holy Spirit burn in me, to push me to action immediately when my children need to see the consequences of their sins. Please bless the discipline I execute, so that it will correctly shape their behaviors, according to Your will. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.