SOAP 06/28/2014; Amos 1:11

Today's reading: Amos 1, 2, 3; Psalm 80; 2 Timothy 4

S) "¹¹ Thus says the Lord,
'For three transgressions of Edom and for four
I will not revoke its punishment,
Because he pursued his brother with the sword,
While he stifled his compassion;
His anger also tore continually,
And he maintained his fury forever.'"

Amos 1:11 (NASB)

O) Amos had a lot of foreboding words for various, historical enemies of God's people. What really stood out here, though, was "he stifled his compassion;" and, "he maintained his fury." As people, we are prone to emotions that steer us awry. Complicating things, satan will seize those opportunities to smother whatever warmth might have survived our own stifling, and he'll stoke the embers of dwindling anger, fanning them back up into flames of fury. 

A) This considerable warning makes me very thankful, knowing that I was guilty of these dames sins of Edom. When I wandered from God, I was in a process of callousing that was stifling compassion, and maintaining fury toward most people. It really is only by the grace of God, that my heart was again softened. And so, I am careful to choose compassion, and deliberate in extinguishing anger.

P) Father, thank You so much for the mercy and grace You gave me. Continually keep my heart soft, and reveal to me any seeds of anger or bitterness, so that, through You, I can expel them. Thank You for the unending work You do in my heart. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 06/27/2014; 2 Chronicles 25:9-10

Today's reading: 2 Kings 13, 14; 2 Chronicles 25; 2 Timothy 3

S) "⁹ Amaziah said to the man of God, 'But what shall we do for the hundred talents which I have given to the troops of Israel?' And the man of God answered, 'The Lord has much more to give you than this.' ¹⁰ Then Amaziah dismissed them, the troops which came to him from Ephraim, to go home; so their anger burned against Judah and they returned home in fierce anger."

2 Chronicles 25:9-10 (NASB)

O) This has a lot of layers to it. The king of Judah hired some Israelite soldiers, without first consulting the LORD. God's grace allows that he didn't suffer the financial loss of his regrettable spending (one hundred talents of silver); in fact, God blesses him with more. However, God does allow some of the consequence of his behavior to carry through. God's mercy is complete, and His grace is surpassing, but He sometimes allows the direct, temporal consequences of our sins to be used as discipline, so that we understand the full benefit of devout obedience.

A) Many times, I have dealt with buyer's remorse. God continues to provide financially. There have been plenty of errors that have created natural repercussions. Through it all, God continues to show Himself faithful, patient, compassionate, and powerful. I need to thank God for the measure of grace He gives, when I act the fool. Perhaps I need to be even more thankful when He disciplines me through my mistakes.

P) Father, thank You for grace and mercy, and also discipline. Please let me be shaped by Your correction, and the experience of the consequences I create by my sins. Help me face them with courage and hope, knowing the good fruit it will bring. Thank You for loving me as a son, enough to discipline me so. Let me rest in the assurance of Your love, through all grace and mercy and discipline. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 06/26/2014; Jonah 1:5

Today's reading: Jonah 1, 2, 3, 4; 2 Timothy 2

S) "⁵ Then the sailors became afraid and every man cried to his god, and they threw the cargo which was in the ship into the sea to lighten it for them. But Jonah had gone below into the hold of the ship, lain down and fallen sound asleep."

Jonah 1:5 (NASB)

O) The story of Jonah is pretty famous. I mean, in terms of Bible stories learned in Sunday school, it's gotta be pretty high up there. As often as I've read this book (and it ranks pretty highly among complete books of the Bible that I've read), I think this is the first time that this particular verse struck me. I was immediately reminded of the story of Jesus calming the sea (see Matthew 8:23-27). In both cases, the storm was sudden, men were in peril, the one who held the answer slept, and God was glorified in the end when no one died. Obviously, there are innumerable differences between Jonah and Jesus, but I found this sleeping parallel very intriguing. like Jesus, he held an incredible calm for a man in such a precarious position. go even their vast differences, I think this tells us a lot about Jonah's faith. As much as it angered him, he was so sure God's word coming to pass, that he chose to sleep during a potentially fatal storm. While it might be argued that he would rather die than Ninevah be spared, I'd counter by reading v.9 again (and all of ch.2, for that matter). Why not simply remain silent? Why pray for resurrection? No, I'd say that Jonah, like Jesus, knew that the storm would not mean his death.

A) So, how I respond during a storm, really says it all about my faith, then. What is the foundation of my faith? It has to be the unfailing, powerful, truthful, compassionate nature of my God. Granted, I am not holding a prophecy that I've yet to deliver, but there are still promises that I (and every believer) claim. Most notably, the eternal life given by faith in Jesus Christ. Beyond that, in the here and now, this verse shows another facet in the benefit of seeking the LORD continually. When He does give me a specific, individual promise, it increases my hope until it is fulfilled, and my faith when He proves Himself faithful once more.

P) Father, thank You for being so reliable. You are unshakeable and strong, a refuge in every storm. By the Holy Spirit, bring me back to Your strong tower during every tempest. Open my ears to hear, and eyes to see, every promise You have for me, according to Your perfect will. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 06/25/2104; Joel 1:5

Today's reading: Joel 1, 2, 3; 2 Timothy 1

S) "⁵ Awake, drunkards, and weep;
And wail, all you wine drinkers,
On account of the sweet wine
That is cut off from your mouth."

Joel 1:5 (NASB)

O) The book of Joel is a bit enigmatic. It speaks of a terrible famine, but the swarms of locusts are also somewhat personified, leaving open the idea that they are symbolic representations of conquering nations. One thing is for sure, though, that the famine that is described is unprecedented (v.2), thorough (v.4), extensive (v.12), and severe to say the least. When I read through the chapter, I was coming back to this verse over and over. When I still smoked cigarettes, I knew the desperation and doom that I felt when I ran out of the substance that enslaved me. So, it's easy for me to relate to the drunkards, here. But, the verse goes on, and includes "wine drinkers" who are not necessarily, (biblically speaking) doing anything wrong. The Bible has many examples of drinking wine that are not condemning it, but here they are lumped in with the drunkards. I don't think this verse speaks to a punishment, so much as it speaks to a preparation. The theologian Matthew Henry said this, in his commentary about this verse, "The more delights we make necessary to our satisfaction the more we expose ourselves to trouble and disappointment." I don't think Joel is judging the drunkards and wine drinkers here, so much as he is sympathizing with them.

A) There was a television show called "Revolution" that had a very interesting premise. It tells of a future when electricity inexplicably disappears. When I think about the leisurely things in my life, from which I draw entertainment, gratification, and enjoyment, a lot of them are electronic. If there was, tomorrow, an electronic famine, I would awake and wail. This is a problem. I wouldn't say that I'm plainly addicted to videogames, or the internet, or TV. However, I am not prepared to lose them, per se. When read in this context, this verse is a wake up call to me about any things in my life, without which I am not prepared to live. I don't think it's wrong to enjoy foods and drinks, things, activities, or people; but if I value them too highly, then I am setting myself up for disappointment. I really think the way this works, is to be actively thankful to God for the gifts He gives me, and not take them for granted. I need to more accurately realize these things are given in grace, and that appreciation will allow me to let them go if God chooses to take them from me. I trust that His will for me is good, and I submit myself to His sovereignty. He is God and I am not. He can give, and He can take away. I choose to be grateful for either outcome.

P) Father, I don't want to have ties to this passing world. Thank You for the blessings of enjoyable things, but take them all away, God, if I start to value them too much. Remind me to correctly appreciate Your blessings. Let me see them and use them, in thanks, according to Your purpose. Please continue to change my heart, so that I seek the giver, not the gift. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 06/24/2014; 2 Kings 11:12

Today's reading: 2 Kings 11, 12; 2 Chronicles 24; 1 Timothy 6

S) "¹² Then he brought the king’s son out and put the crown on him and gave him the testimony; and they made him king and anointed him, and they clapped their hands and said, 'Long live the king!'"

2 Kings 11:12 (NASB)

O) In one of the most epic conspiracies in the Bible, Jehoiada the priest kept the existence of Joash a secret for six years. He hid him, protecting his life from his evil grandmother (vv.1-3). When the boy was seven, he determines it is time to crown him, and he assembles loyal troops to guard the temple, and diminutive king (vv.4-11). In the above verse, Jehoiada makes a very, very strong statement. In the same move, he crowns Joash and gives him the testimony (the Law). Wearing a crown will mean nothing, if the king does not know the LORD.

A) Recently, a friend of mine said he felt like he was a "good husband" but not necessarily a "godly husband." It was an incredibly poignant differentiation. Whether or not I am "worthy" to lead my family is irrelevant at this point; my wife and children are depending on me. That is a pretty heavy responsibility. But, you know what? When I weigh that heavy crown against the solidity of God's word, the balance relieves the burden. Trying to be a "good" husband and dad, comes with countless boxes to check. Exhaustion, disappointment, and pain are at the end of that pursuit. To be a godly husband and dad, comes with three boxes to check:
[] Love the LORD with all my heart, all my soul, and all my mind.
[] Love my neighbor as myself.
[] Repent when I fail the first two boxes.
The most important quality I have, as a leader, is to follow the LORD. As I do that, He will shape me as needed, "for our God is a consuming fire." (Hebrews 12:29). As I submit myself to Him, the changes come naturally. It is not a burden, but a pleasure, to change and sacrifice and lead and give.

P) Father, Thank You for the grace and mercy at work in my life. Let me first be faithful in my pursuit of You. As I pursue You, then I know they will follow in that same pursuit, as they follow me. Help me lead my wife as we follow You in unity, in singularity with each other. Teach me, to teach my children, so they also learn the importance and blessing of a relationship with You. Let my family see me as an example of miraculous grace at work. Discipline me, so that I continue to learn how to be a better husband - not from a burden of responsibility, but as a natural reaction to submission to You. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 06/23/2014; 2 Chronicles 22:3-4

Today's reading: 2 Kings 10; 2 Chronicles 22, 23; 1 Timothy 5

S) "³ He also walked in the ways of the house of Ahab, for his mother was his counselor to do wickedly. ⁴ He did evil in the sight of the Lord like the house of Ahab, for they were his counselors after the death of his father, to his destruction."

2 Chronicles 22:3-4 (NASB)

O) These verses refer to Ahaziah (aka Jehoahaz), and his mother Athaliah (who was the daughter of the wicked Ahab and Jezebel). At the macro-level, this is the result of allying with wickedness (since Judah had been doing relatively well, seeking the LORD, until they allied with Israel and married into their wickedness). It's worth noting that, while v.4 says, "for they were his counselors after the death of his father," but his father was already bad; it just got worse after his death. At the micro-level, this is an example of the importance of a father's presence, and the importance of having a good plan in his absence.

A) God willing, I won't die until my grandchildren are raised. However, I must acknowledge that God might not actually be willing. While I can't predict the future, and there is only so much planning I can do, I must consider the possibility that my children will not have me around as long as I'd like. So, I should prayerfully consider, and discuss with my wife, what might be the recourse for our family if I did pass away before we hoped. In our culture, a lot of attention is given to life insurance, financial planning, and providing for the physical needs of our surviving family. This story, however, reminds me that there is a far, far, far greater matter to attend. It's not a happy topic to talk about, but it's well worth it.

P) Father, let your will be done in my life, and in the lives of my wife and children, after my life. With the time I have here, discipline me to be faithful over them, to train them up, and to set them after Your heart, God. Let them see that pursuing anything, or anyone else, is vanity and futility. If I die before they are mature in Christ, please let my children always receive righteous, wise counsel. Let them discern truth and wisdom, according to Your ways, according to Your will. Guard my wife and children always, according to Your power and might. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 06/22/2014; 2 Kings 9:25-26

Today's reading: 2 Kings 8, 9; 2 Chronicles 21; 1 Timothy 4

S) "²⁵ Then Jehu said to Bidkar his officer, 'Take him up and cast him into the property of the field of Naboth the Jezreelite, for I remember when you and I were riding together after Ahab his father, that the Lord laid this oracle against him: ^26 "Surely I have seen yesterday the blood of Naboth and the blood of his sons," says the Lord, "and I will repay you in this property," says the Lord. Now then, take and cast him into the property, according to the word of the Lord.'"

2 Kings 9:25-26 (NASB)

O) At the beginning of this chapter, the LORD tells Elisha, to have Jehu anointed as the new king of Israel (vv.1-3). Through some military maneuvers, a short skirmish ensues (vv.14-24), and Jehu assassinates the previous king of Israel, Jehoram (of Ahab and Jezebel). What is particularly noteworthy of this passage, is that Jehu seems to be choosing to have an oracle fulfilled. In 1 Kings 21, Elijah prophesies that Ahab will be buried in the vineyard of Naboth (because he murdered Naboth and stole that vineyard), but in the end, Ahab humbles himself and the LORD relents, allowing that the calamity will not happen directly to Ahab, but his descendants.

A) This is an interesting exercise in the realm of "free will" versus "fate" argument. When God speaks what will happen, how much of a role do we really have in that thing coming to pass? God declares the end from the beginning (see Isaiah 46:10), but was God simple relaying what He knew Jehu would choose to do? Or, is it that God forced Jehu to fulfill this oracle? Does it even matter? Jehu was acting in obedience when he rebelled against an evil king. Probably, I won't ever overthrow an evil government. However, if I walk in obedience, I might very well fulfill an oracle that God has spoken to someone. If I know about that spoken word ahead of time, I think it's really only confirming the direction I heard from the LORD in the first place, as it likely did for Jehu.

P) Father, I know I don't get to know the big picture in the same way You do (and who could comprehend all of Your ways), but I do want to walk in obedience. Please open my eyes and ears, to know Your will for my life. Maybe I'll never rebel against and evil king, but I would love for my life, if even in a small way, to be an answer to someone else's prayer. Use me, according to Your will, God. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.