SOAP 05/29/2015; 1 Samuel 2:6-7

Today's reading: 1 Samuel 2

S) "⁶ The LORD kills and makes alive;
He brings down to Sheol and raises up.
⁷ The LORD makes poor and rich;
He brings low, He also exalts."

1 Samuel 2:6-7 (NASB)

O) This is part of a song, in the first half of this chapter, written by the mother of Samuel. He went on to be priest and prophet, and she was thanking the LORD for giving her a son (whom she had pre-committed to the LORD). Most of the song is really just a declaration of who God is and what he does, including these two verses. It is important to note that these acts of God are not qualified for us (here), so we cannot take these words out of context to make them say something they do not. We cannot assume that the life God gives us as a reward (to the parents, for example), and neither can we assume te death He determines is a punishment (although both could be true). We also cannot assume by the language, that this means every life and every death is prescribed by God (although both of those things may again be true). The same principles are true for the rich and poor examples of the latter verse. At its purest reading, this tells us that the LORD is sovereign to choose to make any of these four things be so, for a person.

A) It is humbling to remember that I live by te will of God. He could choose to take me home whenever He wants. In that, I should thank God everyday that I wake up. What this means, is that as careful and healthy as I could ever try to make myself, He had final say. Exercising could add ten years to my life, but only at the will of the LORD, at which point I must ask, was the exercise what really caused it? After all, we know how He feels about exercise (see 1 Timothy 4:8). In the same way, working hard to earn a position at a job, to get a promotion and become wealthy… what can I do outside the providence of God? Certainly, there are biblical principles about the rewards of hard work, but those promises (if you will) are grace in and of themselves! After all, God didn't have to promise, but chose to promise. It is all grace to me, regardless of what role I may be allowed to play in it.

P) Father, You are sovereign and supremely wise. As far as I can tell, I'd like to live long and prosper. But I confess that my view is flawed and limited. I have no idea what long means to my life. I don't understand prosperity. I know that earth is passing away, and trying to make anything permanent here is foolish, and borders on sinful arrogance. I don't want to miss anything You intend for me, but I am also much more concerned with eternal life, and eternal prosperity - whatever it takes to get there. Open my eyes to see, ad my ears to hear, to know what role I must play in receiving Your blessings (if I must at all). I want You to be glorified when others see my life and material things (either in generous giving or simple living). Use me to further Your purposes. Let Your will be done. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 05/28/2015; Psalm 33:16

Today's reading: Psalm 33

S) "¹⁶ The king is not saved by a mighty army; A warrior is not delivered by great strength."

Psalm 33:16 (NASB)

O) David had firsthand knowledge of these facts He was, after all, a king with a mighty army. He was a strong warrior. But, in all of his victories, both personal and corporate, David understood that his successes were determined by the LORD. In his most devastating defeats, he knew that his armies couldn't save him, and his skill as a warrior were useless. When he sinned with Bathsheba, killing Uriah, it cost him the life of his son, and there was nothing for him to fight. When he took an unholy census, and the LORD released a plague, it killed thousands, and his army couldn't fight it back. No, in the weightier, most important things, it is the LORD that matters, if He is for us or against us.

A) Personally, I do not have an army, but I have been known to fight. But, as literal as this lesson was for David, it is quite appropriate for me, figuratively. When something in my life is not going well, I tend to want to fight back against it. If I learn of some spiritual struggle in the life of a loved one, I want a target to strike my blows. But, none of my striving will ever accomplish what I set out to do, because of the truth of David's psalm. This isn't about exactitudes, either. No amount of s heming, brainstorming, or effort, will save the day. It will only ever come from the LORD  intervening in Hos lovingkindness, mercy, and love.

P) Father, You are my hope, because You are sovereign, all knowing, and all powerful. I know that I do not battle against flesh and blood, but I fight a spiritual fight. So, I know that I can only hope for victory by the Holy Spirit working in me, and through me. Open my eyes and ears, that I may know what part I might play, and I will be obedient, but. I confess I am woefully inadequate to work alone. Be my strength, my wisdom, and my deliverer. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 05/27/2015; Psalm 30:5

Today's reading: Psalm 30

S) "⁵ For His anger is but for a moment,
His favor is for a lifetime;
Weeping may last for the night,
But a shout of joy comes in the morning."

Psalm 30:5 (NASB)

O) It is plain that David was using contrasting illustrations to point out the brevity of God's anger, compared to the longevity of His favor. I don't think anyone should mistakenly think this verse is literally saying that God's favor will be upon an individual for the entirety of their life. In a general sense, this might be true, but I don't think this is some kind of guarantee. I think we can simply look at the first line to realize that David was quite familiar with the fact that God's anger could last longer than a "moment," since he saw firsthand evidence of the LORD'S protracted anger against his predecessor, Saul. Now, in Christ Jesus, all things have new light. With the coming of Christ, mankind was favored. In Christ, we have favor with God. Outside of Christ, that's a different story. If I am in Christ for the length of my days, then I am favored, even if God is angry with me. After all, He will reprove those He loves. In te other illustration, we see another contrast between sorrow and joy. While some sorrows last longer than one night, and some joys are all night long, the principle is that God turns sorrow to joy.

A) Having said all that, there is still wisdom in knowing, that God can certainly change sorrow to joy, literally overnight. Sometimes, my perspective is woefully limited, but God can use physical sleep to my advantage. There is also the possibility that God will speak to me in a dream while I sleep, and how joyous would that be, amid sorrows? Our outlook does not always change overnight with God, but it isn't exactly uncommon, either. At the very least, I know the eternal promises I have in Christ. In the End, Jesus Christ will stand victorious. In Him, I may share eternal perfection and enjoy His perfect glory. If I can focus on that, even in the middle of a sorrow-filled night, I'm sure to wake up to joy eventually.

P) Father, Yoyr promises are so perfect. They can seem far off, to my limited view, but I know the truth of Scripture, which warns me how short life really is. Open my eyes to see Your promises, and my ears to hear Your words, that even in the most difficult sorrow, I will remember the joy I have in Christ. Be glorified in my sorrow-turned-joy. Thank You for the favor I have received. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 05/26/2015; Psalm 29:4

Today's reading: Psalm 29

S) "⁴ The voice of the Lord is powerful,
The voice of the Lord is majestic."

Psalm 29:4 (NASB)

O) This verse should not be taken out of context, because of the vivid poetry David used, expressing the power and majesty of the voice of the LORD. This particular verse can be taken quite literally, because there is no simile or metaphor used. But, in vv. 5-9, he described example after example, of powerful or majestic scenes, comparing them to the voice of the LORD. Often times, the simple words like "powerful" or "majestic" simply do not convey the depth they could have. But, in using the imagry he did, David makes the point exceedingly clear. The voice of the LORD is supremely powerful and exceedingly majestic, to the maximum those adjectives can be used.

A) Personally, I have never heard the audible voice of the LORD. I can only really imagine it. David paints the picture very well, though. There were times, especially in my teenage years, when I longed to hear His voice. I think that particular desire has waned. This isn't because I desire God less, but because I have learned to be satisfied in His words through the Holy Bible. Certainly, I have felt God lead me. He has spoken to my heart, guided me by the Holy Spirit. The results of such leadings have been unmistakable. But, to hear His audible voice... I'm beginning to think it might be too much for me. Certainly, I would welcome that level of communion with my Lord. But, I don't see it as anything necessary. As I get older, I'm beginning to learn reverence for the LORD more and more. I think, especially reading this psalm, that is the biggest difference between my youth and now. I respect the awesome, overwhelming power of the LORD more than ever before. In some ways, David was describing the most powerful illustration and the most majestic illustration. That is the impression left with me. The voice of the LORD is most powerful, the voice of the LORD is most majestic.

P) Father, You are too great for me to behold. Your form is too pure, too holy for my mortal eyes. In the same way, I confess that Your voice is too powerful, too majestic, for my mortal ears to hear. At once, I would be honored and terrified to hear You directly. Thank You Jesus, that the Holy Spirit came. Thank You for the reconciliation given to me. Thank You for the promise that one day, I will be in Your glory, unveiled. One day, there will be no corrupted flesh, to keep me from the purity of Your presence. Thank You for these promises. Let Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 05/25/2015; Psalm 28:5

Today's reading: Psalm 28

S) "⁵ Because they do not regard the works of the Lord
Nor the deeds of His hands,
He will tear them down and not build them up."

Psalm 28:5 (NASB)

O) The Bible makes it very clear, that the works of the LORD are noteworthy. They cannot be missed, and should not be ignored (see Romans 1:20). Over and over, God commanded His people to celebrate feasts, erect memorials, and pass on stories orally, all to commemorate His works. In this verse, David warned that ignoring the works of the LORD, the deeds of His hands, will mean destruction for those who are ignorant.

A) God is not neutral. God blesses those who acknowledge His works, praising Him for them. However, it is grave mistake to think this is somehow about some kind of power trip or divine ego. To make that mistake is to miss the divinity and holiness of God (see Isaiah 55:8-9). This verse is a reminder that God is not dead, He is ignored. This is not any better, though, than declaring God to be an enemy. It is not enough to say I believe in God. If my beliefs do not affect my actions, then I have no faith. One way that my beliefs should be manifested, is in my regard for the works of the LORD and the deeds of His hands. The important thing for me to bear in mind on this subject, is the way God makes this a blessing in itself. By forcing myself to recognize miracles, especially the testimony of my own life, I am building up my own faith, maintaining my trust in Him, and ultimately enjoying peace in knowing His promises are true, based on His character, based on what I know He has done.

P) Father, all of Your works are unsearchable. I cannot fathom the depths of Your grace upon the earth. Even within my own life, I have a hard time seeing all the ways You have blessed me. I want to know them more, though. Open my eyes to see and my ears to hear, so I can acknowledge Your goodness more fully. I want to praise You to the greatest measure, and proclaim the works of Your hands to anyone who will hear. Be glorified in my life, with my testimony. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 05/24/2015; Psalm 26:6-7

Today's reading: Psalm 26

S) "⁶ I shall wash my hands in innocence,
And I will go about Your altar, O LORD,
⁷ That I may proclaim with the voice of thanksgiving
And declare all Your wonders."

Psalm 26:6-7 (NASB)

O) This psalm shows again, one of the driving characteristics of David. In whatever circumstance he found himself, he sought the LORD in worship, and praised him boldly among the people around him. These particular verses highlight an aspect of worship that cannot be neglected: righteousness. The most important word between these two verses, might be the word, "that" because it directly links v.6 (which is about righteousness) and v.7 (which is about worship and praise). The  reason righteousness is important before worship (which is toward God directly), is because of God's unapproachable holiness. In the Old Testament, we see that sinful men would die in the presence of the Holy One, which is why the order of atoning sacrifices were how they were (with the high priest being sanctified first, so he could go minister the sacrifices of atonement for the rest of the priesthood, and then the rest of the nation). The reason righteousness is important before praising God (which may be directed at God, or at people, and is about God), is because it validates who God is, and why He is worthy of our worship, adoration, and devotion.

A) The expression of these two principles is different in Christ. In Christ alone, our righteousness is given to us. We are made innocent because of the cleansing of His blood, which sacrifices us as holy with Him. Then, our worship toward Him is pure and unblemished, and our praise of His redemption becomes powerful. When we allow God to sanctify us, He isn't simply forgiving our sins. God is changing our hearts, changing our perspectives, and changing our behaviors. So, by submitting myself to the sanctification that comes through His mercies, people are able to correlate the words of my praise to the evident work of His sanctification in me. The words of my praise are validated by the righteousness in my life.

P) Father, it is all for Your glory. Your redemptive work of the gospel upon my heart, humbles me in its far reaching aspects. Not only has the work of Your grace saved me from the damnation I faced, and not only did Your grace reconcile me to Yiu, but Your grace brings my life into an eternal purpose. I pray that my life magnifies Your character, reveals Your love, and glorifies Your name. Thank You for forgiving me. I will rejoice in Your presence that that I may thank You in praise, in the presence of all. Be glorified. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.