SOAP 10/18/2014; Job 3:20-22

Today's reading: Job 3, 4; Acts 8, 9

S) "²⁰ Why is light given to him who suffers,
And life to the bitter of soul,
²¹ Who long for death, but there is none,
And dig for it more than for hidden treasures,
²² Who rejoice greatly,
And exult when they find the grave?"

Job 3:20-22 (NASB)

O) After a week of sitting in silence with his visiting friends (see Acts 2:13), Job finally spoke. The entirety of chapter 3, is a lament for the day of his birth. He essentially concedes that it would have been better if he had never been born. The verses above, though, strike to the root of his lament, and reveal the true concern of his heart, amid his many words. In many ways, this same question is the one asked of everyone who ever suffers any hardship. The details of the circumstances may be different, but the essential question is, "Why do I have to suffer?" While the answer can have different levels of impact, or can have varying details, there is an essential point to be made before even attempting the answer: It is okay to ask this question. Just like every interaction with the LORD, though, if the question is going to be asked, it cannot be asked in arrogance, but in a humble confession of pain and confusion, and a genuine desire to know the will of the Father God.

A) The main thing for me to do with this verse, is to remember that I can ask this of God. In the midst of pain and sorrow, anguish and heartache, I can ask Him why. Just like in parenting, our Father God being sovereign, has every right to answer my question with a simple, "Because I said so." However, I don't think that is His heart. While the LORD is not always forthcoming with the details of His will in every circumstance, I fully believe He desires the relationship with Him that can come to fruition from these questions. I think this is what it means when Jesus said, "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted." (Matthew 5:4). The next most obvious answer I think I would hear, is that my suffering allows for His glory to be revealed. While that may seem unfair, I again have to submit to His sovereignty, and remember that my life is not my own, as a disciple of Jesus Christ, since I was redeemed by Him. Job's suffering served a great purpose! While my life is not likely to reach the same level of impact, it can still glorify God. But, both of those answers have just been answered... so should I still ask the question? I think so. Ultimately, God may still reveal details that I might not otherwise see. In the end, the question is about seeking my Father God in the middle of my hurting, and that is always the right move.

P) Father, I seldom see my life fully, from Your perspective, but I submit to Your sovereignty. You are just, holy, righteous, and good to me. In whatever You allow into my life, remind me that it's okay to humbly ask why. First and foremost, let me seek You in the day of trouble. Simply finding You in the middle of my grief, in the middle of my mourning, means that I will find comfort and peace in the presence of my Father God. I am already humbled and comforted, knowing that Your Spirit is my Comforter in those times. It was always Your desire to meet me in my most painful places. Let Your will be done. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 10/17/2014; Job 1:9-12

Today's reading: Job 1, 2; Acts 6, 7

S) "⁹ Then Satan answered the Lord, 'Does Job fear God for nothing? ¹⁰ Have You not made a hedge about him and his house and all that he has, on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land. ¹¹ But put forth Your hand now and touch all that he has; he will surely curse You to Your face.' ¹² Then the Lord said to Satan, 'Behold, all that he has is in your power, only do not put forth your hand on him.' So Satan departed from the presence of the Lord."

Job 1:9-12 (NASB)

O) Before we ever even get into the actual trials that Job faced, we are presented with a couple of deep concepts right from the start. Verse 8 is pretty nice. It may be the most pleasant verse in the entire book about Job. The LORD is actively highlighting the life and actions of His servant Job. While that reveals the joy of a bragging Father, proud of one of His sons, I didn't include it here, because I think there is a more important element to see, in this introduction to Job. satan is a supreme liar, the father of lies, in fact (see John 8:44). Like a good liar, he didn't try to directly oppose the words of the LORD, but instead he challenged them indirectly (v.9), while backing his own assertion with truth and flattery (v.10), and then he strikes with true motive (v.11). This reveals a common scheme of the enemy, that he uses to great effect (but we are not unaware, see 2 Corinthians 2:11). It also raises a very, very important question that must be asked of every follower of Christ: "Why are you actually following the Lord Jesus?" (by extension, we can find those root causes by defining what we consider a blessing). Then, in v.12, is the main reason we are here, and in fact, the main reason the book exists at all. Instead of simply replying with truth, and continuing to protect Job, to the glory of the LORD, God allows the trials to commence. What we see here is a remarkable, detailed account, of the same thing Jesus tells Peter in Luke 22:31-32, when He warns Simon that satan is coming after him. Instead of simply protecting Simon Peter, and preventing the adversity, Jesus instead says that He has prayed for his faith to not fail.

A) Here is the real challenge I see: countless times, I have prayed for protection. I have even prayed for a "hedge of protection." In fact, I knew what a "hedge of protection" was, well before I ever learned about what a hedge was. The astounding thing to learn, though, is that the only place where we see this imagery, is in the life of Job. And what happened to his hedge? What would have happened, say, if one of Job's friends immediately recognized the hardships as spiritual attacks from satan, and began praying, "Father God, please restore the hedge of protection around Job..."? I mean, could that prayer be any further from the will of God? The LORD distinctly removed that very same hedge! What if the will of God in my life, or the lives of my children, is hardship? The will of the LORD is perfect. Perfectly timed, perfectly purposed, perfectly good. How can I then pray for protection? This is not to say, that it is wrong to ask for protection. But, I cannot assume that it is the will of the Father. Neither can I assume that when calamity strikes, it is because of some sin, and I cannot either assume that the trials and tribulations are a bad thing in my life. So, my desire for the safety of myself and family, must be tempered by the humble acknowledgement that safety might not be part of His plan. Protection might not be part of His provision for that day, for that month, for that year - or however long He has determined is good.
The flip side, however, is that I do not ever want to neglect an opportunity to protect through prayer. I want to intercede and do the prayerful work of the LORD for the brothers and sisters in my life. But, ultimately, I must concede that I am not privy to the heavenly conversations of God and His angels. So, I summarize to ask that His will is done, and that I see His plan, so that I can glorify His name in the best way possible.
Finally, the issue of cause, must be answered. What is causing my devotion to the Lord Jesus? Am I following Him because of the protection He gives? Am I following Him because He blesses me? How am I defining "blessed" in the first place? There can be only one answer, and it really strikes to the heart of identity issues as well. I can only consider myself blessed based on a single criterium: Jesus sacrificed Himself for my sins, took my punishment, rose from the dead for my justification, and is returning for me. This personal truth, personal relationship that the Son of God has with me, is the complete definition of blessed. I cannot allow myself to falsely define blessed as more than that. If my wife dies young, am I still blessed? If I get fired from my job, am I still blessed? If my friends abandon me, am I still blessed? Was Job still blessed? Being blessed presents one question to be answered: What does God think of You? In the midst of changing life, changing circumstances, God remains good and I remain blessed, if I am defining those qualities in view of the cross. Therefore, my marriage is good because I am blessed, not the other way around. I have a job because I am blessed, not the other way around. When I consider that the blessing, the reconciliation to my Father God, precedes any other goodness, then I continue to be blessed beyond prevailing circumstances. This means I continue to be devoted to the LORD, in the face of loss, pain, chaos, or strife. I continue in my faithfulness to Him, considering myself blessed, even when my hedge is removed.

P) Father, it is such a relief to know that You are a good God. You are trustworthy, praiseworthy, and deserving of my devotion and worship. When questions swirl in my heart, wondering about the details of Your will in my life, or the lives of those I love, I never have to question Your motives. I can trust that Your will is perfectly timed, perfectly purposed, and perfectly good. Your sovereignty and goodness are proven, by my reconciliation to You, which was provided through Jesus. I still ask for the protection of myself, my wife, my kids, and my church. I still ask for other things to go the way I perceive is good. At the same time, though, I fully acknowledge that it may be Your perfectly just, purposed, and good will, to bring hardship into those very same lives, and withhold the things I am asking to have. So, I humbly ask for Your will to be done as well. Open my eyes and ears, for the distinct purpose that  I might better glorify Your name, and magnify Your goodness, to proclaim Your gospel truth into the lives of those I love. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 10/16/2014; Malachi 3:10

Today's reading: Malachi 3, 4; Psalm 148; Acts 5

S) "^10 'Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, so that there may be food in My house, and test Me now in this,' says the Lord of hosts, 'if I will not open for you the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows.'"

Malachi 3:10 (NASB)

O) This was after the return to Jerusalem, and the people had rebuilt the temple, but they were failing to uphold the statutes and ordinances that the LORD had given them. One such area, was there tithing. At that same time, they were complaining about an apparent futility in serving their God (vv.13-15). God points out that their perceived hardships, and their accusations against God were unfounded, since they were not upholding their side of the Covenant. In the above verse, He reminds them that the blessings are there for the having, if only they will faithfully obey His commands. In fact, in a very, very rare case, we see the LORD inviting the people to test Him (in fact, many times people are reminded and commanded not to test the LORD their God). This really speaks to God's desire to do two things: First, to prove Himself as worthy. Second, to recapture the hearts of His people, where He knew it mattered the most to them.

A) This is, by no definition, a revelation to me as I write this today. However, it is such a significant part of a life of obedience, for any believer, and it is a significant part of my own testimony, that I wanted to record it. When my wife and I had just started going to church together, just getting our feet wet in serving the Lord, we were still struggling significantly in our finances. We were in, way over our heads. The realization that I couldn't live my life apart from God, was the reason I came back to Him in the first place. Even after that initial return, though, I still wasn't allowing Him to be the Lord of my money. I remember clearly, one Sunday morning, this passage came up during a sermon. I was immediately convicted and simultaneously relieved. I realized that, while money was tight and I couldn't afford to pay all of our bills - we couldn't afford not to tithe. I pensively breached the topic with Kristin, and was blessed to hear her agree completely. We started tithing immediately, fully, and God began the process to get us closer and closer to financial freedom (which is a huge topic, and deep definition, that cannot fit here alone). It is still a process, to this day, because it's not like we suddenly became affluent. However, I am no longer ruled by money or a lack thereof. God has proven, over and over, to be Jehovah Jireh, my Provider. And it remains a turning point in my devotion to Him, and a strong portion of my testimony.

P) Father, the grace You have shown me, and all of Your people throughout the Bible, until this very day, it is a grace like no other. You have proven Yourself worthy of my absolute trust. Forgive me, for times when worry has sneaked its way into my heart. Let the Holy Spirit reveal to me, when I have allowed money to become an idol in my heart. I repent of the idolatry that money can, and had become to me. I commit myself to trusting You fully for every provision in my life, Father God. I am committed to tithing in obedience, but also as an act of worship, and a continual proclamation that You alone deserve the worship of my heart. Let Your will be done with my money, and in my life. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 10/15/2014; Nehemiah 13:26

Today's reading: Nehemiah 13; Malachi 1, 2; Acts 4

S) "²⁶ Did not Solomon king of Israel sin regarding these things? Yet among the many nations there was no king like him, and he was loved by his God, and God made him king over all Israel; nevertheless the foreign women caused even him to sin."

Nehemiah 13:26 (NASB)

O) There are a few key points that this verse reveals. Nehemiah was pointing out that the danger of mixed marriages was the idolatry that inevitably came with it. The initial point, is that idolatry will eventually prevail, even in light of unprecedented blessings from the LORD . That is to say, even in the best possible, outside circumstances, idolatrous marriages will still lead to sinful, spiritual adultery. This is a fundamental problem of the sinful heart, that still holds true today. The second point that is seen with this simple summary, is that the LORD loves in spite of our sin. He is faithful, even when we are unfaithful. He blessed Solomon, and continued to bless him, in spite of his sin. His idolatry and infidelity toward the LORD did eventually cost him the kingdom, splitting it into a civil war, from which they would never fully recover. But, even in that, the LORD was proving Himself faithful to the word He spoke through Moses.

A) The first noteworthy thing: Because of the grace we have through Jesus, there is NO separation between the Jew and the Gentile (see: The New Testament). Having said that, this verse does bring up a vital point: uneven yoke (see 2 Corinthians 6:14). Now, if there is an existing marriage with one believer, that's a different issue (see 1 Corinthians 7:12-17). Since I am happily married, and thankfully to a wife who loves Jesus, the emphasis drawn from the verse above, is really the first point. Even under the best tangible blessings, with the most realized favor, I am still susceptible to sin. When my heart is not completely devoted to the LORD, I am harboring desires that are taking His place on the throne of my heart. He is no longer sovereign in that case, and I am committing spiritual idolatry, even if I am not physically bowing down to anything. With the example of Solomon, it becomes clear that there is no blessing, no favor, truly nothing that God can do for me, give to me, that will suddenly mean I won't sin anymore - not as long as my heart remains unfaithful. Marriage does not mean pornography is no problem. A promotion does not mean money is no problem. A good marriage does not mean alcohol is no problem. Obedient children does not mean anger is no problem. Sin will always exist, regardless of outside circumstances, when the heart is divided. This is what Jesus meant when He said we cannot serve two masters (see Matthew 6:24). See, Solomon's sin was deeper that the physical idols he propped up. His sin was deeper than lust for women. His sin was that he didn't believe in the worthiness of the LORD to have sovereignty in his life. Consequently, he didn't (seem) to repent, as his father David did. With the regeneration I receive in Jesus, because He conquered sin and death, I am able to walk in righteousness, with the indwelling Holy Spirit. I am no longer bound to sin. So, when I do stumble, it really has nothing to do with circumstance, and everything to do with my heart condition at that moment.

P) Father, Your holiness astounds me. As a fallible being, I can hardly fathom what pure faithfulness is. I cannot fully understand Your unfailing love, great patience, and inexhaustible mercy. Forgive my idolatry and unfaithfulness to You, Father God. Create in me a clean heart, refreshed by the Holy Spirit. Take Your rightful place on the throne of my heart, Lord Jesus. Reveal in me, any areas that I have wrongly reserved for my own glory, and take them back for the glory of Your name alone, LORD. When I try to hijack Your kingdom within my heart, Father King, squash my rebellion. Expose my sin, and rebuke me. Let Your will be done, alone, in my heart as well as Your kingdom. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 10/14/2014; Nehemiah 11:1-2

Today's reading: Nehemiah 11, 12; Psalm 1; Acts 3

S) "¹ Now the leaders of the people lived in Jerusalem, but the rest of the people cast lots to bring one out of ten to live in Jerusalem, the holy city, while nine-tenths remained in the other cities. ² And the people blessed all the men who volunteered to live in Jerusalem."

Nehemiah 11:1-2 (NASB)

O) This passage confused me a little. It seemed odd that v.2 seemed to be a consolation, almost. Then, the word "volunteered" seemed strange (especially in light of the casting of lots). Continuing through the chapter, though, reveals the fate of the other 9/10 of the people. They returned to the portions of land that previously belonged to them! Normally, living in Jerusalem carried a lot of pride with it, but I think this was a generation disillusioned to the false securities that Zion's walls had become. In rebuilding, the people must've been very aware that living in Jerusalem would not make them special, by association. They saw that Jerusalem was penetrable, and no walls would stand against the will of the LORD. Consequently, the lot casting was necessary to get people to stay, potentially at the forfeit of their own portion allotted outside the holy city.

A) Initially, I thought this was a good example of celebrating the grace God has given to others. This tenth of the people were being blessed in their selection by God, via lot, and the people blessed them in addition (possibly calling them volunteers because of their obedience). While those are good principles, there is another picture being painted here. There were lots cast to bring in one of every tenth person, but there were also actual volunteers. They didn't wait for the lot to be cast, but volunteered to sacrifice for the good of their people. They saw the bigger picture, the need for some to stay within Jerusalem, and they answered a call to strengthen God's kingdom (despite their lack of national sovereignty). The blessing they received was one of thanks, that they volunteered to stay so that others could go freely.

P) Father, acts of sacrifice, big or small… this is what I want to do in thanksgiving because of what Jesus sacrificed for me. I want to volunteer, to fill a need without being told. I want to answer an unspoken call, because I know what te service means to the bigger picture of your kingdom, Father. Open my eyes to see that bigger picture. Remove every distraction from my heart, by holy extraction, even if it is painful, Lord. Help me stay focused on Your plan in my life, God. Let Your will be done; I volunteer. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 10/13/2014; Nehemiah 10:31

Today's reading: Nehemiah 9, 10; Acts 2

S) "³¹ As for the peoples of the land who bring wares or any grain on the sabbath day to sell, we will not buy from them on the sabbath or a holy day; and we will forego the crops the seventh year and the exaction of every debt."

Nehemiah 10:31 (NASB)

O) The people of God had just recommitted themselves to Him. This verse comes in the midst of a new covenant they were declaring with the LORD. Nothing they outlined in their vows was particularly new, per se, but the wording of this phrase drew attention to a very important aspect of sanctification and holiness. In their commitment to being a holy people to the LORD, they reaffirmed the importance of the Sabbath. Highlighted in this verse, though, is the outside culture of merchants that will certainly come, with no regard whatsoever for the Sabbath. Not everyone in there land is an Israelite. They are no longer a sovereign, theocratic kingdom, able to legislate the behaviors of every sojourner in their city. Instead, they simply outline how they, themselves, will or will not interact with those peoples of the land.

A) Notice, the merchants are not vilified. The Israelites understood that these were just people trying to make a living. However, that does not permit them to forsake what they know is right, upholding the Sabbath as holy, righteously mandated from the LORD. In the same way, I live in a culture trying to sell me things. Forgetting the legalism of trying to maintain the actual Sabbath (see Mark 2:23-28, especially 27), I am never going to change the capitalist culture of my country. It's not all negative, either. However, I need to identify what about that culture is harmful to me (e.g., discontent, false hopes, wrong values, etc.). Legislation is never going to completely align with biblical morals, and I cannot rely on it to guide me. I cannot control the culture around me, I can only control my own culture. Like the remnant in Jerusalem, I need to establish within my own culture (i.e., my family and close friends), holy disciplines for walking in righteousness. Just because someone shows up with something to sell, doesn't mean you buy it.

P) Father, there are so many times when I simply wish to be done with all of the world's concerns. I long for pure, completed reconciliation with You. I long for the glorious perfection that You have promised. But, I know that Your will is sovereign and good. As long as I am to stay alive on this planet, I will be. While I am here, help me to be satisfied in You. Let me rest against the Rock of my salvation, amid the torrent of the culture around me. Help me to establish a culture within my family, that is satisfied only in relationship with Jesus. Help me, by grace, to show that culture to others. Help me be biblically counter-cultural in my approach to spending, specifically, and holiness in every aspect of my life. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 10/12/2014; Nehemiah 8:7-8

Today's reading: Nehemiah 7, 8; Acts 1

S) "⁷ Also Jeshua, Bani, Sherebiah, Jamin, Akkub, Shabbethai, Hodiah, Maaseiah, Kelita, Azariah, Jozabad, Hanan, Pelaiah, the Levites, explained the law to the people while the people remained in their place. ⁸ They read from the book, from the law of God, translating to give the sense so that they understood the reading."

Nehemiah 8:7-8 (NASB)

O) Nehemiah has completed his first task: rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. However, his work is only half done. Now, he had set out to reestablish the sanctity, holiness, and devotion of the people. After assembling everyone, Ezra the priest-scribe read from the Law for several hours in the morning (v.3), and then there was corporate worship (v.6), before they broke up into small groups... Okay, so maybe not quite small group breakout sessions (considering the numbers involved), but the verses above show a vital part of serving the LORD, and the need for community. There was a unified group of leaders who translated (interpreted, explained) the law of God, so that it was applicable to the masses.

A) There is a sort of checks-and-balances system that God puts in place, to keep His words clear. While prophecy is God speaking through an individual with unprecedented words of admonishment or encouragement, the Bible is the established, true word of God. However, there certainly portions of Scripture that can be difficult to digest, understand, and apply to my life. This is why it is vital that I am seeking the wisdom and knowledge of other believers. At the same time, the unity of the Holy Spirit assures me a level of authenticity to Scripture interpretation. That doesn't mean that everyone agrees on every biblical principle and passage, but it does give a level of safety. When a teaching is suddenly presented, which is drastically different than the established understanding, it correctly alarms me that the teaching is very, very likely to be ungodly. Ultimately, I still need to rely on the Holy Spirit within me, to fully and correctly read Scripture, but the confirmation of many leaders, all in agreement, about biblical truths, is vital to prevent getting things twisted.

P) Father, thank You for speaking into my life. You are the Almighty Creator, Maker of Heaven and Earth. You are immeasurably big, in Your knowledge, power, understanding, attention, and sovereignty, and yet You care enough about me as an individual, that You refuse to leave me alone. Thank You for Your written word, that I don't have to guess about who You are, or what Your characteristics are, since You've established them by the Holy Bible. Let me continue to study the wise men and women who have gone before me, in understanding who You are biblically, and what Your will is biblically. Help me to draw comfort and confirmation from the testimony, agreement, and disciplines of the myriad men and women who have studied, tested, and proven Your holy words before me. Open my eyes and ears to the Holy Spirit, though, to test every teaching I encounter, never blindly accepting the teaching of any human, as I remember that humans are always fallible. But, let me submit to the authorities of the leadership You have established over me, especially and specifically within my church body. Let Your will be done. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.