SOAP 05/09/2015; Psalm 1:2

Today's reading: Psalm 1

S) "² But his delight is in the law of the LORD, And in His law he meditates day and night."

Psalm 1:2 (NASB)

O) The man described in this verse is defined in verse 1 as the blessed man. The important thing to remember with this verse, is that this is not a prescription to be a blessed man, but it is more accurately a description of what a blessed man is like. It is also important to have a proper understanding of what it means to be blessed. There are certainly connotations in the Old Testament, that being "blessed" had a lot to do with some kind of prosperity in wealth or reputation. However, I don't think we can assume that is the definition in every verse. The very next verse in this chapter shows us (poetically) what that blessing is. While prosperity is mentioned, it almost seems like an afterthought. Instead, there is a thriving that is primarily described. There is a fullness of life that is described. The last contextualizing we need to do, is to remember that this is speaking of a person living with the old covenant. The law of the LORD would simply be understood to be all of the laws of the old covenant. However, that is certainly not to say that today, with the new covenant, a person must observe the old laws in order to be blessed. Instead, we must see why a person under the old covenant would have meditated on the laws. To know the laws was to know the LORD. The laws were what they had in order to understand God's character, His will, His ways. Certainly, under the new covenant in Jesus Christ, that can still be done. The Bible as a whole allows the Christian today to know God's character more fully than at any point before the written, infallible, authoritative word of God.

A) Virtually every day, I am studying the Bible. There are days when that is pushed later into the evening, or late into the night. I regret those days, because it is such a rewarding discipline to study earlier in my day. A big part of that, is being able to meditate on the particular passages I read during that study time, throughout the rest of the day. Having said that, this is a discipline that is still fairly immature in me. I am woefully prone to a type of compartmentalizing, where I devote time to studying the Bible, and then I pack it in a box in my brain. I leave the box open, and visible (so to speak), but I couldn't accurately describe the rest of my day as being spent meditating on what I studied. This discipline is a process, though. I have read a lot of great tips for how practically do this. I'm sure that I have only seen the tip of the iceberg, for the amount of advice exists on the subject. As usual, this still comes down to implementation. I need to test some of those habits, and find what works. I desire to be a man who meditates on the ways of the LORD more often, and more consistently, throughout the day.

P) Father, there is no one, and no things, that are worth my attention throughout my day. But, I confess that I am still undisciplined about this. Help bring about a more disciplined character in my life, with regard to meditating on Your ways throughout my day. Help me develop the discipline to study Your word earlier in my day, even first thing in the morning, so that I am giving myself a better opportunity to meditate on what I study, for the rest of my day. Be glorified by my habits, so that they can be called truly good. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 05/08/2015; Ruth 4:9-10

Today's reading: Ruth 4

S) "⁹ Then Boaz said to the elders and all the people, 'You are witnesses today that I have bought from the hand of Naomi all that belonged to Elimelech and all that belonged to Chilion and Mahlon. ¹⁰ Moreover, I have acquired Ruth the Moabitess, the widow of Mahlon, to be my wife in order to raise up the name of the deceased on his inheritance, so that the name of the deceased will not be cut off from his brothers or from the court of his birth place; you are witnesses today.'"

Ruth 4:9-10 (NASB)

O) The romance of Ruth and Boaz is one of my favorite stories in the Bible. One element to it that I particularly appreciate, is that everything was done with the utmost care toward propriety. Boaz never took advantage of Ruth's need. He never pressed his advantage over her. He did not try to trick anyone about redeeming Naomi's land. He went through all of the appropriate steps, necessary by God's law and also their culture at the time, in order to marry Ruth. In the above verse, we see Boaz finish the last step. He had just approached the closest kin to Naomi's late husband (the only family closer than himself), in the presence of ten elders. He didn't neglect anything along the way. This romance is one of grace and beauty, honesty and purity, righteousness and love.

A) In the current culture, it is easy to be discouraged that the stories of love that are presented by the world are hopelessly corrupted by the low standards that the world has allowed. It is such a joy to have this joyous story of redemption, that I can look toward (and show others, like my children), as a model of hope, grace, and love. In today's world, it's easy to believe that doing things the right way is also the boring way. It's easy to be deceived into thinking that romance is about following feelings capriciously. While I am a big fan of spontaneous expressions of affection, it's important for me to remember (and value, for the sake of my kids) the difference between solemn and somber. Romance should be solemn, but that doesn't make it unattractive. In the story of Ruth and Boaz, because he took the time to go through all of the necessary steps (necessary by God and by the culture), he began their relationship with a solid foundation. To look back on their relationship, and have no regrets about how it formed, would have been a huge benefit to their relationship as it flourished. I wish that I could change my own history in that regard. Since I can't, I take the example of Ruth and Boaz, and I point to it as the ultimate romance story.

P) Father, it is such a beautiful thing when Your will is followed to the fullest! This story is simply wonderful in its romance. I thank You, that this story is part of history, part of the lineage of Jesus, and preserved in Your Word for the world to see. I pray that the story of Ruth and Boaz is recognized by more people, especially young people who have not yet formed an opinion on how romance should look. I pray that single people, who may have been taught the wrong example by the world, would see this story for all of the grace, hope, beauty, and love that it truly presents. Thank You for redeeming my own marriage, despite the wrong start I had in my relationship with Kristin. Your grace through my life, especially as it pertains to my marriage, is a testament to Your glory. Be glorified as new people learn of Ruth and Boaz. Be glorified when I share my own testimony about my marriage. Be glorified. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 05/07/2015; Ruth 2:16

Today's reading: Ruth 2

S) "¹⁶ Also you shall purposely pull out for her some grain from the bundles and leave it that she may glean, and do not rebuke her."

Ruth 2:16 (NASB)

O) Ruth had gone to glean in the fields of Boaz. Gleaning was the practice of following behind harvesters, and picking any remaining crop that they missed (either that was dropped, or not even picked). God had long since commanded that the Israelites should only go through crops to harvest a single time, and that anything left should remain so that the poorest among them could glean from it. And so, this is where Ruth was. She and her mother-in-law, Naomi, we're both widows, and this was their only means for food. Naomi told Ruth to go see what she could glean, and as Ruth was doing so, she found favor in the eyes of Boaz.

A) This verse is a picture of the grace of God. The story of Ruth and Boaz has a great many allusions to the relationship we have with Christ as the bridegroom of the church, His bride. In this verse, I clearly see how His grace is evident in the way He met the needs of Ruth and Naomi. Then, on top of meeting their minimum need for food, God blessed Ruth above and beyond that, through the kindness of Boaz. It is humbling to remember that this is how God views me, as part of His church, the bride of Christ. He meets my needs, always, but then He also blesses me above what I need. He favors me. He doesn't do the minimum, He does the maximum. He does the most possible, as long as it is still good for me. He disciplines, and allows me to endure storms, etc., but through all of that God favors His servant with as much as possible - as long as it is still good for me.

P) Father, I am humbled by Your grace. I want to reflect this same favorable attitude. Help me to reflect Your grace and love toward others, that they would see the lovingkindness and compassion that You have for them. Open eyes to see and ears to hear, so that they can be drawn to repentance. Help me to remain thankful and humble, in light of Your favor and grace. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 05/06/2015; Judges 20:27-28

Today's reading: Judges 20

S) "²⁷ The sons of Israel inquired of the Lord (for the ark of the covenant of God was there in those days, ²⁸ and Phinehas the son of Eleazar, Aaron’s son, stood before it to minister in those days), saying, 'Shall I yet again go out to battle against the sons of my brother Benjamin, or shall I cease?' And the Lord said, 'Go up, for tomorrow I will deliver them into your hand.'"

Judges 20:27-28 (NASB)

O) There was a great tragedy in the city of Gibeah (which was held by the tribe of Benjamin). Men of the city attacked and ravished a woman. Her husband then cut her body in pieces and sent them to every corner of Israel, to get the attention of the entire nation (vv.1-7 give this recap., ch.19 has the whole story). When the people assembled to resolve this, Benjamin would not cooperate in bringing about justice, so the rest of the nation prepared for war. They correctly inquired of the LORD, asking who should go into battle first (v.18), then promptly suffered the loss of 22,000 warriors in the first day (v.19). Again, they correctly returned to the LORD, to confirm their plan for battle (v.23), but suffered another large loss of 18,000 men on the second day (v.25). This was ten percent of their force lost in two days (see v.2). However, the assembled tribes persevered in faith. They believed the LORD was not lying to them. Despite heavy losses at a discouraging rate, they did not forget the words that the LORD had already spoken. They were shaken, but they returned to the LORD a third time, to hear again what He had spoken.

A) There have been times when I have prayed and asked God for direction, and I thought I had a good idea of how He wanted me to proceed. Then, when I went through with the plan, the wheels seemed to come off... I don't think I've seen the last of those confusing, hard times. When faced with that kind of struggle, there are a few ways I can respond. I can doubt the direction I felt during my prayers, and change directions with my plans. I can also ignore the hardships and press on with my initial direction. It is best, though, to go back to the LORD in prayer. I think most often I have gone with one of the first two options, because the last has seemed somehow like doubt. I don't think it is, though. I think that coming back to my Father God, to confirm His way will serve me well in two areas. First, it will sharpen my spiritual discernment, simply by practicing the discipline of prayer and seeking His voice, and searching the scriptures. Second, it removes me (to some degree, the least reliable factor) from the decision making process. This way, whether I heard from God correctly the first time or not, God can still change my course. Otherwise, He can encourage me to continue in the course I am following. Either way, it takes me out of the position of trying to foresee circumstances (which I cannot do), and it puts me in the position to simply obey (which I can do).

P) Father, You are holy and worthy of my praise. You deserve all of my adoration and obedience. The grace and mercy You have already displayed in my life is humbling. I confess that, despite my inability to do so, I have tried to plan my own life. I have sought Your will, but I have not often done it well. In my past, I have seen Your awesome provision. I have seen Your will and plan in my life come to beautiful fruition. Other times, I have seen myself miss the mark, and fail to handle that correctly. The truth is, only You are worthy to make judgment calls. When hardship comes, I must return to You over, and over, and over, and learn how You view my circumstances. When I am struggling against some circumstance, it can easily seem like I have not heard Your direction clearly, but I am not even able to say that with certainty. Sometimes, pain or loss are part of Your plan. So, with every struggle I face, remind me to come back to You. Let me seek You in prayer and in the Bible, everyday if I must, until I see or hear what You would have me do. Open my eyes to see and my ears to hear. Lead me, Father. The decisions I make have a large area of impact. I am responsible for my wife and children, at the least, and the direction I go must be leading them where You want us to go. I cannot afford to make decisions on direction, based on anything except Your will. Lead me, so I can lead them. Let Your will be done. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 05/05/2015; Judges 18:31

Today's reading: Judges 18

S) "³¹ So they set up for themselves Micah’s graven image which he had made, all the time that the house of God was at Shiloh."

Judges 18:31 (NASB)

O) As we read this story, it is clear that the Danites were not the good guys. One theme I saw, in reading this chapter, is that of isolation. Isolation allowed the people in the hill country to be easily conquered. Isolation allowed the priest to be convinced to betray his master (even though his place there was already maligned). Isolation allowed the initial five spies to be tempted by Micah's possessions. In the end, the Isolation of this entire tribe of Dan, meant that they were unfaithful to the LORD. They were serving idols (stolen ones, at that!), all while their own true, living, jealous, loving God was available to them at Shiloh.

A) Isolation is a dangerous thing. There are three isolations in the story, each of them with their own caution to me. First is a personal isolation, that really allows idols to be set up in my heart. This will cause me some pretty direct, possibly severe consequences, the greatest of which is in conflict with the LORD. Second is a small group isolation, that allows for traded rationalizing. As a leader, the onus is on me to correct course. This might look like my wife and I both being lazy, and using the inaction of the other as an excuse to not take action ourselves. This might look like complacency within my Life Group, because everyone is comfortable with a shallow, guarded relationship, where nobody is willing to be the first to step out in vulnerability. Whatever the case, I must lead by example. Third, there is a corporate isolation. This last form of isolation is akin to the local church failing to get involved where they should, or failing to have relationships with other churches where they should. This is really about the leadership I am choosing to be under. If I am choosing to join myself with a congregation that has poor leadership, I am asking for trouble. At the same time, I have an obligation and a vested interest in praying for, and supporting, the leadership that is over me.

P) Father, Your designs and plans are perfect. You have no flaw in Your purpose. You created me to be in relationship, first with You, then with others close, then with a larger community. Help me to correctly see the dangers of isolation, as I am at risk of becoming isolated. Open my eyes and ears, and lead me in right relationships. Help me to take the lead where I should, with courage and wisdom. Let Your will be done. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 05/04/2015; Judges 16:18

Today's reading: Judges 16

S) "¹⁸ When Delilah saw that he had told her all that was in his heart, she sent and called the lords of the Philistines, saying, 'Come up once more, for he has told me all that is in his heart.' Then the lords of the Philistines came up to her and brought the money in their hands."

Judges 16:18 (NASB)

O) The story of Samson and Delilah has a lot of facets, but I want to focus on this verse because there is an element that is applicable to every relationship, I think. A lot can be said about a man's stupidity, and how his lust will cause him to compromise. A lot can be said about a woman's nagging, and how her greed might cause her to manipulate. But, this story is not about gender. This story is not about propensity toward deceit or lust or sins. The verse above, I think, reveals that the story of Samson and Delilah is truly a story about guarding the heart. This transcends gender. This transcends some common sin or another. The real issue at hand was the emotional intimacy that Samson exposed to Delilah. Now, don't get me wrong, Samson never should have been sleeping with a woman who was not his wife. Delilah should not have been greedy. He should not have been stupid, and she should not have nagged him to death (see v.16). But, what really cost him the most was when he opened up his heart to her. We know that he told her the truth about his strength, but there almost seems to be an implication that he laid his heart bare before her. We don't know what else he may have revealed, but there was a threshold and he clearly broke it.

A) There is a time and place for emotional intimacy. There is also a varying degree of that intimacy. For one thing, the emotional (and physical) intimacy shared between a husband and wife should be complete. Just as nothing holds them apart when they consummate a marriage physically, nothing should hold them apart emotionally, either. In marriage, there should be complete honesty and an open heart. With other relationships, there should be restrictions. With a close loved one, it might be appropriate for us to share a hug, or even a kiss on the cheek. In the same way, a close friend or brother might be privy to some of my sins, or some of the insecurities of my heart. It would be foolish and maybe dangerous for me to tell a stranger, even some of what is in my heart. It could be downright disastrous to tell a stranger everything in my heart. But, there is still this sliding scale. What I fear is missing sometimes, is the understanding of an appropriate ratio. As people, I think we desire for someone to know our heart fully. In a similar way that we want someone to know our body fully and still accept it, we want someone to know our heart fully and still accept it. In my own past, I have over-shared where it was inappropriate, and it cause me a lot of pain. For myself, I must remember that it is only in my marriage that I have the safety to be completely exposed in body and heart. The Christian culture today says a lot about physical intimacy, and the importance of "saving yourself" for marriage. But, I'm afraid it says precious little about saving our hearts for marriage, too. Thankfully, I am married to a wonderful woman. She knows me fully, sometimes better than I do. She doesn't just accept my intimacy, she desires it. In my other relationships, intimacy is still quite valuable. I must carefully consider, prayerfully approach, how I expose my heart to others. I need to remember that I always have the security of my marriage, if I need to share a part of my heart that is burdensome, if there is no other appropriate relationship to do so.

P) Father, the wisdom in Your created purpose is astounding. You perfectly designed marriage to be a safehaven, where I can completely let down my guard. There is so much security and comfort in that knowledge, and in my own marriage I thank You for the grace You have given, and in the security I have come to know. I pray for godly marriages everywhere, that my brothers and sisters in Christ would know the same peace and security in the exclusive intimacy they have as husband and wife with each other. I pray for all of my unmarried brothers and sisters in Christ, that they would correctly understand the inherent dangers of heart exposure. For my own children, I pray that they learn how to appropriately be intimate with others, especially as they learn things like accountability. Help them to feel the safety and security that my wife and I present to them, both physically and emotionally. As I develop relationships with others, escpecially my brothers in Christ, help me to carefully and correctly guage the level of appropriate heart-intimacy I can share with them, so we can build relationships that honor You and further Your kingdom. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 05/03/2015; Judges 15:7

Today's reading: Judges 15

S) " ⁷ Samson said to them, 'Since you act like this, I will surely take revenge on you, but after that I will quit.'"

Judges 15:7 (NASB)

O) He was wrong. I don't want to say he was lying, but he was definitely wrong. Samson had another fight against the Philistines shortly after this revenge. While a person might argue that his next fight was not revenge, per se, it was still brutal and people died. This also wasn't the last time he had direct revenge, either. Looking to the end of his life, we read that he pulled a temple down atop his captors. This verse serves as a reminder about the condition of the heart and the limitations we have as humans. The first thing to note, is that we have faulty judgment. While it may seem to us that vengeance is due, we do not know with certainty and our inclination is often driven by emotions more than any rational justice. The second thing to note, is that we do not know the future perfectly. While we may have the best intentions from the outset, vengeance has a tendency to run on and on. Violence tends to beget violence, and retaliation results in vendettas. This is a vicious cycle, the end of which is difficult for any person to forecast. The last thing to note about vengeance, is that it never delivers on its promise. Vengeance is difficult to execute in the first place, and even if a person is able to exact their revenge, it never heals a broken heart. All of this adds up to a warning, and Samson's life is a good cautionary tale to this end, that vengeance belongs to the LORD, alone (see Deut 32:35, Ps 94:1, Rom 12:19, 1Thess 4:6, Heb 10:30).

A) Evinced by the many verses about this topic, many of which come through the New Testament, I must understand Samson's words as haughty. I remember as a child, my mother told me that I was not allowed to retaliate against my brothers, saying, "Vengeance is mine, sayeth the LORD." Even having heard that verse quoted so many times, learning the truth of it so young, I am still tempted in my flesh when I feel wronged. There is still the desire I have to "make things right." Along with remembering the direct, simple command that vengeance does not belong to me, I should also remember stories like Samson's foolishness. Even if I never act upon my impulse, I need to remember what a waste it is to let myself be tantalized by revenge. It is foolish, haughty, and fruitless.

P) Father, You are perfect in both Your judgment and Your timing. I choose to humble myself before my adversaries. When someone wrongs me, I choose to allow room for Your judgment, and Yours alone. I will not take what is rightfully Yours. Strengthen me to resist that fleshly temptation. Sharpen my mind to remember both the commands to let You handle it, but also the myriad stories of the foolishness of vengeance at the hands of men. Help me to humble myself before Your judgment and Your timing, and let Your will be done. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 05/02/2015; Judges 12:7

Today's reading: Judges 12

S) "⁷ Jephthah judged Israel six years. Then Jephthah the Gileadite died and was buried in one of the cities of Gilead."

Judges 12:7 (NASB)

O) This chapter ends the story of Jephthah and after this verse, it lists another three judges who appeared after him. Each of the successive judges were in place longer than Jephthah, but had much less written about them. Initially, this presents the truth that importance does not always translate to longevity. Jephthah had some very important things happen in his time as judge, but that didn't necessarily translate to a long reign as judge. This is for a few reasons. First, the important things that happen are not always positive things. For example, Jephthah made one of the most tragic vows in the entire Bible (see Judges 11:30-35). Second, peace is boring. Sometimes, positive things like liberation from oppression, are important and notable. Sometimes, positive things seem less notable. Like, continued peace where there is no actual battle, no striving for freedom, and no dramatic rescue. The last thing to note, is that God's timing is perfect and man's timing is not. God determined the length of years these men judged Israel. It could very well be that God was the most pleased with Jephthah as judge, and the next few judges were less pleasing, but the LORD had his own reasons for letting them judge longer than Jephthah. We may just never know.

A) By and large, I have learned that I do not want to be in charge. Like it or not, I am in charge of some things, leading some people. With that, I need to remember that uneventful is pretty great sometimes. There is a temptation to think that boring is bad, but it doesn't have to be. Media portrays relationships in a series of conflict and resolution that can make the absence of it seem like I'm missing something. In truth, having long stretches of my marriage with nothing to write about isn't a bad thing. Yes, my wife and I should certainly be doing notable things for God. Pursuing Him together is our first priority. Raising children to know and love Jesus is a close second. There are ministry opportunities for us as a couple, and individually. All of this is important, but it's not always gonna-write-this-in-a-book level noteworthy. That is okay. In fact, that is usually pretty good. There are a lot of stories in the Bible that tell of God's great and mighty works, and almost all of them have some level of tragedy that I think I would just as soon not invite into my life. Jesus promised that following Him would have its fair share of hardship, so I have not need to seek it out. When it comes, maybe I'll have something to fill pages in an autobiography some day. Until then, I'll enjoy the slow, uneventful days for the simple gift of peace that they are, however long they last.

P) Father, You are faithful to hear me when I cry out to You. I know there have been times in my past when that is exactly the order of events, going from tragedy to outcry, from prayer to Your rescue. It makes me appreciate uneventful days. There is a romanticizing that happens sometimes, when I read my Bible. There is that temptation in me to desire the sort of conflict and drama that I read. When I think of it soberly, Lord, I am thankful for the peaceful days You give me. In them, I never want to lose sight of my need for You. As much as hard times draw me close to You, I'd just as soon not need them for that. Help me stay devoted, chasing after You wholeheartedly, even when I don't feel the need. I know that my feelings are not always right, and even if I don't feel the need, it is still there. Thank You for Your promises, and thank You for the peace I have now. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 05/01/2015; Judges 7:2

Today's reading: Judges 7

S) "² The LORD said to Gideon, 'The people who are with you are too many for Me to give Midian into their hands, for Israel would become boastful, saying, "My own power has delivered me."'"

Judges 7:2 (NASB)

O) If the words of the LORD are not read carefully, it can be mistaken that He is saying He is limited. He was not unable to do it, but unwilling to do it. He did not want Israel to believe they had won a great liberation from Midian on their own strength. This is not about some power-trip, or ego, or some other false-pretense that the world will sometimes project onto the LORD. In fact, in a sense, this had little to do with Him directly. This was about Israel not living under a false sense of security. Had the LORD still delivered them, but then they believed they had done it themselves, then every time they tried to accomplish anything apart from the LORD they would be set up for failure. Furthermore, had the LORD allowed this to take place, they would not have the truth about the source of their help. When they did fail by their own power, they might still seek the LORD then, but at what loss of time, resources, and lives? God cannot abide His children being boastful, because boasting is a lie. Arrogance is a false pretense of security. Pride invites destruction.

A) The first application that comes to mind for me, is the area of finances. When money is tight, I have a tendency to want to fix things on my own. This cannot be how the LORD intends it. In fact, if I apply the above verse to my life, and change the topic from the number of soldiers in Gideon's army, to the number of dollars in my bank account, it almost translates perfectly. It would read something like, "The money with you is too much for Me to give ____ into your hands, for you would become boastful saying, 'My own power has delivered me.'" I'm not saying God is making me poor, or anything so bold as that. For one thing, I know I have made poor financial decisions. I have incurred debts that are nobody's fault but mine, for example. But, It would be a simple thing for me to go out and hunt a job that pays more money. It would be a simple thing for me to find more work, to work 60 or 70 hours a week. On the surface, that seems like it would solve financial issues. But, I also see danger in that. I see arrogance in that, and I see a serious damage to my family in that. The truth is that the LORD has always provided enough. It is humbling to know that I rely on Him to provide, but that is exactly what I need for true security. My own strength is not enough to provide for my family, but the LORD is faithful. His strength is enough to deliver, and He does not fail.

P) Father, I am humbled in the light of my impotence and Your omnipotence. I know that the most obvious area I can see this apply, is with money. I also know that this is not the only area I can be arrogant. Open my eyes and ears, LORD, to see every area that pride is an issue in my heart. I want to humble myself before You in every sense, every area of my heart, Lord. Be magnified and praised by Your presence in my life. Let me glorify Your great name, and let everyone who sees my life see Your glory. I confess that I have been arrogant where I should be humble. Help me to see that it is only by Your providence that I can live. I cannot sustain my own life. Help me be humbled, to know that You alone can deliver me. Let Your will be done. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.