SOAP 10/09/2015; Nehemiah 2:4-5

Today's reading: Nehemiah 1, 2; Psalm 133, 134; Luke 22

S) " ⁴ Then the king said to me, 'What would you request?' So I prayed to the God of heaven. ⁵ I said to the king, 'If it please the king, and if your servant has found favor before you, send me to Judah, to the city of my fathers' tombs, that I may rebuild it.'"

Nehemiah 2:4-5 (NASB)

O) Nehemiah was a cupbearer to Artaxerxes, when he heard distressing news about Jerusalem. His response was fasting, confession, and supplication on behalf of his people. He then asked for favor with his king (see Ch.1). So, when he appeared before the king again, Artaxerxes noticed his downcast visage (because he was not normally sad, per v.1). Even though Nehemiah had prayed and fasted, seeking the LORD for favor with the king, he was still afraid when his opportunity came (see v.3). It's noteworthy that he had already fasted and prayed, but still in v.4 it says that Nehemiah prayed between being asked his request, and his answer to the king.

A) The story of Nehemiah, particularly before he actually departs Susa, is one of my favorite. There are so many good lessons about prayer within these first two chapters. In this particular, short passage, there is an excellent lesson: prayers can be very brief. So often, when I think about a prayer life, I think about someone who spends hours upon hours every morning, before dawn, praying and praying before any other part of their day starts. To be clear, I admire that type of devotion. I lack that particular discipline. I want to work toward that kind of disciplined, regular prayer life. Sometimes, though, that can feel daunting and I can become very discouraged about my lack of stamina, when it comes to prayer times. This is why I love the story of Nehemiah. In chapter one, he shows that kind of prayer. In chapter two, I see a discipline of prayer that is very encouraging to me. This is the constant prayer life. We don't know the details of what Nehemiah prayed in his short pause before answering the king, but his response was still prayer. He was afraid, time was short, but he still prayed before proceeding. I imagine his short prayer was a reflection of his longer supplication and confession. He probably prayed something like, "Okay God, please let it happen like I said before." But the point is that he still prayed it. This is the kind of open line of prayer that I want to keep with God.

P) Father, You are great in lovingkindness, compassion, and grace. I confess that I do not pray as I should. You deserve all of my devotion, and I give You so little. Even still, You are gracious to me. Discipline me, to pray as I should, with the devotion and perseverance I should have. As I continue toward that goal, help me to also pray to You throughout the day. Even if it is only short prayers, in between stressful times or amid temptation. Help me to be focused so I may seek You first throughout the day. Help me to keep my mind on Your salvation, holiness, and righteousness; not only in spite of the circumstances around me, but because of them. Let Your will be done, and let me speak with You as often as You want to hear from me. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 10/08/2015; Ezra 9:4-6

Today's reading: Ezra 9, 10; Psalm 131; Luke 21

S) "⁴ Then everyone who trembled at the words of the God of Israel on account of the unfaithfulness of the exiles gathered to me, and I sat appalled until the evening offering. ⁵ But at the evening offering I arose from my humiliation, even with my garment and my robe torn, and I fell on my knees and stretched out my hands to the Lord my God; ⁶ and I said, 'O my God, I am ashamed and embarrassed to lift up my face to You, my God, for our iniquities have risen above our heads and our guilt has grown even to the heavens.'"

Ezra 9:4-6 (NASB)

O) The sin in question, was the intermarriage of Israelites and gentiles. This was a problem, specifically because when it happened, historically, it brought the Israelite into spiritual adultery against the LORD. Men would follow the false gods of their gentile wives, and so would the women follow the gods of their gentile husbands. This infidelity was exactly what led to their eventual exile. So, for Ezra to realize that this intermarrying was still happening, even among the remnant who was supposed to remain faithful during the exile, was tantamount to catastrophe. But, Ezra did not wallow in despair. As much as it seemed to shock him, he still took action, waiting for the evening sacrifice to make his confession and appeal to the God.

A) Every single time I sin, in any capacity, that is the same as spiritual infidelity to the LORD. Whether that can be seen as idolizing some material thing (like money or entertainment), or a concept (like family or even church), or even elevating my own self above God (by thought or action), virtually every sin will fall under one of those categories. As such, my response to my own sinful behaviors should tell me a lot about how I view sin. I should be carefully considering, "Am I heartbroken about this?" While I may not literally rip my clothes or hair out, am I grieved? This is not a matter of public shaming, or anything along those lines. However, I should be thoroughly humbled every time my need for grace and mercy is made evident again. The truth is, I need the atoning blood of Jesus Christ in my life pretty much every single day. Thankfully, His sacrifice is eternally sufficient. Thankfully, each day that I need forgiveness is just like the first, in that God loved me even in my sins, and was willing that His Son should take my punishment instead. That lovingkindness, that compassion, is what draws me to repentance each time I sin. I don't have to wait for the evening sacrifice, to make my confession and appeal for mercy. The sacrifice of Jesus Christ is perpetually sufficient. So, when I sin, in my shame and humility, I should immediately rend my heart, kneeling my spirit before the LORD my God, declaring my shame and, frankly, embarrassment about my sin again. At the end, I remember that I approach the throne of grace with confidence, because I am forgiven, and the Holy Spirit is still at work in me. God knows that sanctification is in process, until the work of the gospel is completed in me at the final resurrection.

P) Father, Your holiness and perfection makes me soberly aware of my sins. I am embarrassed by my mistakes. I am ashamed in my guilt. But, I remember that You are not surprised by my sins. You knew ahead of time, each and every instance in which I would need mercy. You knew, in Your perfect foreknowledge, that I would need the blood of Jesus to wash me clean. That was true from the start, and it is true today, and it will be true until the day I am finished on earth and I am united in perfected glory with Christ in heaven. Father God, it is still my desire, that every time I sin, I am heartbroken. Discipline me however it takes, that I may be more and more obedient to Your will. May it never be, that I am ever indifferent to sin. Help me to have a disgusted view of my own sin, that my disobedience would be abhorrent to me. Let me remember the perfect grace and mercy, given to me in Christ, that I would always be comforted to lift my face to You, Lord. You are both my Judge and my Salvation. Be glorified in my need for You. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 10/07/2015; Ezra 7:24

Today's reading: Ezra 7, 8; Luke 20

S) "²⁴ We also inform you that it is not allowed to impose tax, tribute or toll on any of the priests, Levites, singers, doorkeepers, Nethinim or servants of this house of God."

Ezra 7:24 (NASB)

O) God, in His sovereignty, mightily provided for the remnant of Judah to return and rebuild the temple at Jerusalem. He moved Artaxerxes to give favor to the Jews who were returning, giving them a written grant to access resources and money. In addition to what they received from the king, he also included the portion from the above verse. It was interesting to see that God's people were given a tax-exempt status, even as long ago as this. Artaxerxes saw the benefit to His kingdom, by blessing the LORD (see v.23). But, once again, all of this shows us that God's grace, His provision and protection, know no limits.

A) Given that God has provided for His people, even to the extent of tax exemption, it begs the question, "If God doesn't seem to be intervening, or providing, what does that mean?" In my country, religious organizations have been able to file tax-exemptions for centuries. God has blessed the U.S.. Still, with the cultural shifting that is happening here, I wonder how much God is for us as a nation. In the coming few years, it is entirely plausible that churches will lose their tax-exempt status, if they continue to assert the Bible as authoritative and true. It is no longer, that the majority sees biblical living as beneficial to the nation as a whole. So, it makes me wonder how much the LORD is for us. Even so, my resolve is as sure as it has ever been. I will continue after Him, with or without the support of my country.

P) Father, You have already blessed me beyond anything I could ask. The eternal promise of life I am given in Christ, even the life You have given me here on earth, so far, it's all enough for me to be thankful without ceasing. With the direction my country is taking, I don't know where it will end up going. I know that we have recently endured martyrdom on our soil for the first time in my memory, so things seem tenuous at best. However, I have faith in You, not in my government. Let me continue to put my faith in You alone, seeking You for provision, security, and hope. As the world around me darkens, I pray that the light within me, that Your light, shines even brighter. Let my life, joy, peace, and love be a testimony to my nation. Be glorified, and let Your will be done. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 10/06/2015; Esther 9:20-22

Today's reading: Esther 9, 10; Luke 19

S) "²⁰ Then Mordecai recorded these events, and he sent letters to all the Jews who were in all the provinces of King Ahasuerus, both near and far, ²¹ obliging them to celebrate the fourteenth day of the month Adar, and the fifteenth day of the same month, annually, ²² because on those days the Jews rid themselves of their enemies, and it was a month which was turned for them from sorrow into gladness and from mourning into a holiday; that they should make them days of feasting and rejoicing and sending portions of food to one another and gifts to the poor."

Esther 9:20-22 (NASB)

O) As this story is closing, we see everything reflected with roles reversed. Mordecai took Haman's place. The genocide of the Jews was flipped so that 75,000 of their enemies were defeated. What would have been a day of great mourning for God's people, became a great holiday. Their sorrow was turned to joy. This is the work of the LORD (even if He was not recorded throughout the book). As a matter of never forgetting, this became an actually holiday, still celebrated today. Purim is celebrated worldwide on the first day of Purim, and Jews in Jerusalem and some major cities celebrate it a second day, still.

A) I love historical traditions and longstanding culture. Part of me, reading this, wants to start celebrating Purim with the Israelites. Aside from bordering on cultural appropriation, there's another thing that causes me to hesitate. This holiday celebrates the day when the LORD saved His people, and reversed their roles. The reality is, I had that same experience when the Holy Spirit broke my pride, removed my heart of stone, and gave me a heart of flesh. More to the point, I have that same experience everyday, when I wake up and choose to be submitted to Jesus Christ as Lord. Each day, I am being saved from the wickedness of the old man, being clothes in the new man. Every day, I receive His mercies for my sins, and He lavishes grace upon me, calling me a son. So, as much as I love celebrating days like Easter, or Christmas, the truth is that everyday should be celebrated, as the day that the LORD delivered me from my sins, protected me from my mortal enemy, and reversed my fortune by calling me son.

P) Father, I am humbled here. Letting my mind dwell on Your grace, Your provision, the way You change me... all of it together is overwhelming. Your kindness and compassion toward me, even while I was Your enemy, is all the reason I could even want for worshiping You, and devoting myself to You. I confess that I have not properly responded to this grace. There have been too many days that I do virtually nothing in response to Your goodness. Even so, You forgive me and pour out grace all the more. Help me to keep my mind on Yoyr salvation. Help me to keep the proper perspective of Your grace and mercy. Let me glorify Your name, with a life of obedience, humility, and love. Let Your will be done. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 10/05/2015; Esther 5:11-13

Today's reading: Esther 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8; Luke 18

S) "¹¹ Then Haman recounted to them the glory of his riches, and the number of his sons, and every instance where the king had magnified him and how he had promoted him above the princes and servants of the king. ¹² Haman also said, 'Even Esther the queen let no one but me come with the king to the banquet which she had prepared; and tomorrow also I am invited by her with the king. ¹³ Yet all of this does not satisfy me every time I see Mordecai the Jew sitting at the king’s gate.'"

Esther 5:11-13 (NASB)

O) Haman was an official of Ahasuerus who had gained such a position that people in public would bow to him in homage, very much like to a king. Mordecai (Esther's uncle, and adopted dad), who also worked fro the king, refused to bow to Haman. As we see in the above verses, Haman had accomplished much. He was wealthy in material things, in influence, and in family. Still, this one man's disrespect, this one man's insult to his ego, was consuming Mordecai. His injured pride would eventually rob him of everything, including his very life.

A) How powerfully different this story would have been, if Haman had been a humble man. This begs the question, what has my pride cost me? Thankfully, it has not cost me my life. That is the grace of God at work, as it easily could have at any point in my history. Mordecai's pride serves as a tragic example, perhaps the most tragic example, of how pride can be insulted and the reaction to that can be ruinous. There are a great many positive reasons for me to humble myself, but a strong reminder of warning is never amiss.

P) Father, You are holy and just, righteous and mighty. I am unworthy to be called Your son. I am unworthy to commune with You. Yet, in Your infinite grace, You snatched me from my pride, You broke my haughty spirit within me. You humbled me, and brought me into new life with You. I will never know the full extent of what my pride, rebellion, and sins cost me. Let this story of Haman's pride, serve as a sobering warning against pride. Let me not be easily offended, or perhaps not even offended at all. Let me be meek and humble enough, that no insult or affront could ever rob me of the blessings You give. You provide for me, every reason for joy. So, let me bear every ridicule, remembering that my Lord also suffered ridicule. Let me bear every insult hurled at me, just as Jesus Christ did. Let me bear everything to Your glory, and for the preservation of my very joy. Let me be humble in every way, and in every way You be lifted up. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 10/04/2015; Esther 1:21-22

Today's reading: Esther 1, 2; Psalm 150; Luke 17

S) "²¹ This word pleased the king and the princes, and the king did as Memucan proposed. ²² So he sent letters to all the king’s provinces, to each province according to its script and to every people according to their language, that every man should be the master in his own house and the one who speaks in the language of his own people."

Esther 1:21-22 (NASB)

O) Essentially, Ahasuerus (king) was publically disobeyed by Vashti (queen) and the wives of all the nobles took notice. When all of the other women began to act and speak in their queen's example, the men were obviously upset. So, some nobles came to the king and asked him to establish the law as we read in the above two verses. It is worth noting that this king did not fear the LORD, nor does the Bible commend his actions. This is prime example of people trying to legislate morality.

A) The Bible does teach that I am the head of my wife (see Ephesians 5:23), but also that disciples of Christ are not to lord their leadership over the people under their care (see Matthew 20:25-26). The real issue here, is that I should be loving my wife in such a way that she won't even be tempted to follow bad examples of being a wife. The whole reason that Vashti and these other noblewomen were behaving as they were, is because of the oppression and objectification of women. I also need to be careful not to keep contemptible company. The king obviously could have taken better advice, but circumstances being what they were, perhaps no better advice could be given safely. In the end, I must remember that the leadership I have is about shepherding, loving and protecting, sacrificing myself in service. I am the master of no one, even if I am the leader of many.

P) Father, You alone are master. You alone are sovereign and may establish rule. Keep me humble, Lord, to remember that I am only a steward of Your people. In my marriage, I am a shepherd of Your daughter. In my parenting, I am custodian of Your children. Let me bear that mantle responsibly. Help me to be sacrificial, serving, humble, and loving. Be glorified, as I lead my family. Let others see Your grace, mercy, hope, and love. I want You to receive all honor. Let Your will be done. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.