SOAP 01/08/2016; Proverbs 25:16-17

Today's reading: Genesis 20, 21, 22; Luke 8*

S) "¹⁶ Have you found honey? Eat only what you need,
That you not have it in excess and vomit it.
¹⁷ Let your foot rarely be in your neighbor’s house,
Or he will become weary of you and hate you."

Proverbs 25:16-17 (NASB)

*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Proverbs 25
 

O) The first thing I noticed about v.16, was the simple beauty about God's order of things. Our bodies are wonderfully built to reject what is bad for us. Eating too much sweet stuff will make us vomit, simply because it's bad for us. Unfortunately, humans are good at sinning. So, we can override a number of things that God gave us in nature, which are designed for our benefit, because the heart of man is desperately wicked (see Jeremiah 17:9). Then, I was thinking about v.17, and how Solomon didn't say anything about being a good neighbor. This really has nothing to do with how well people get along. Eventually, people get sick of other people being around. That's normal, I think. Everyone wants their space, a place of refuge, a sanctuary from the outside world. That place should be our own home. Even people who are gifted in hospitality have times when they need to sort of recharge. Initially, I thought these two verses were unrelated. After all, their instructions are about pretty different topics. However, the more I dug into what the first one meant, the more I realized the second verse is actually about the same thing. These are admonishing us to be more self-aware.

A) While I have always had a pretty clear understanding of myself, I have not always been good at seeing myself among others. That is, I have struggled to see how my self affected others (or, I struggled to care, even when I did see). Self-discipline is always hard and for me, food has been an area where I have not always cared to exercise more self-control, restraint, or discipline. So, I should certainly be more mindful about that. I think that things like "dieting" can do as much harm for our spirits as good for our health, but the simple aspect of evaluation is a good place to be. Solomon didn't say not to eat the honey, but to not have it in excess. We never really "need" honey from a strict physiological sense, but he's really just talking about moderation. That's a good principle for me in every physical appetite I can define. From entertainment, to sex, to food, to sleep. On the more external awareness, I need a lot more help, I think. It's usually easy for me to identify when I have "eaten too much honey," but knowing when I am exhausting the welcome of my neighbor is harder for me to see. In a very simple, practical sense, I actually love visiting friends and going over to their houses, and just hanging out. But, this obviously extends beyond that. I need to be prayerful about how I am impacting people around me. I shouldn't think more highly of myself than I ought (obviously), and I shouldn't obsess about what others think, but just asking God to help me maintain peace, that's certainly biblical (see also). My wife has also been a great blessing to me in this area. God has certainly brought me a long way from where I was, and Kristin has certainly been used in that area for me. I have room to grow, but I have testimony in that too.

P) Father, Your ways are great. You have such a perfect, good, amazing plan for Your creation. You built amazing bodies, that regulate our health wonderfully, except where sin interferes. You also have such a great plan for relationships, too. In both of these areas, of self-control and self-awareness, I was hopeless when You found me. Thank You for the grace that has been at work in me, Lord. There is still more work to be done, and I know I won't be finished until I am glorified in Christ. But, I want to continue to grow in this, God. Please continue the good work You have started in me, until the day of completion when I am perfected at the resurrection. Help me to be more aware, internally and externally. Help me to listen to wise counsel, especially from my wife. In everything, be glorified in my life. In Jesus's name I pray, amen.

SOAP 01/07/2016; Proverbs 23:29-30

Today's reading: Genesis 18, 19; Psalm 3; Luke 7*

S) "²⁹ Who has woe? Who has sorrow?
Who has contentions? Who has complaining?
Who has wounds without cause?
Who has redness of eyes?
³⁰ Those who linger long over wine,
Those who go to taste mixed wine."

Proverbs 23:29-30 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Proverbs 23

     

O) The last passage of this chapter is about the dangers of drunkenness. Solomon starts with the observation, that these people (woeful, sorrowful, contentious, etc.) all have a common denominator. In the following verses, he paints a bleak picture of the extent of these dangers, but it's important to make a distinction about simply drinking wine, and "lingering" over it. Like many things in creation, wine can be a fine part of celebration (as with Jesus turning the water to wine), or have health benefits (like when Paul told Timothy to drink a little wine). But, the problem is when these creations are then idolized. When a person is seeking them out, to their detriment. When a person abuses something good, it can easily become quite bad.

A) Unfortunately, sometimes the only clear way to see when something has become a sinful habit, is in the aftermath of poor decisions. Thankfully, I've never struggled with the sin of drunkenness, specifically, but this passage teaches me an important lesson about sin and its effects. When I look at my life, and I see harmful effects in my life, I should be careful to trace them backwards to see if there is a sin in my life causing the harm. Maybe it's not the same wounds without (obvious) cause, or redness of eyes, but sin always takes its toll.

P) Father, Your ways give life, peace, and joy. Sin leads to death. Thank You for redeeming me, freeing me from my bondage to sin. I confess that I am still prone to sin, though. I know that, like some kind of spiritual Stockholm Syndrome, I have a tendency to return to some sins that You already conquered for me. Open my eyes and ears, God, that I may know more clearly what harms I am suffering because I have been sinning, lingering over a sin. Cleanse my heart, Lord, and bring me into life more abundant. All of this to Your glory, God. In Jesus's name I pray, amen.

SOAP 01/06/2016; Proverbs 21:31

Today's reading: Genesis 15, 16, 17; Luke 6*

S) "³¹ The horse is prepared for the day of battle,
But victory belongs to the Lord."

Proverbs 21:31 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Proverbs 21
 

O) This verse shows an important link between the role we play in God's plans, and the role God has in those plans. There is a link, but there is also a distinction between the two. When going to battle, a cavalier will dress his horse for battle, making sure the correct armor is secured to his steed. He will be certain that he has the proper equipment of his own, securely packed on his animal (his shield, quiver, javelin, or even his standard, etc.). All of this preparation before he goes into battle is to prevent unwarranted risk to himself or his animal, to gain any advantage he might have in the fight. He is trying to be the best horseman he can be, in the fight he will fight. That's just on the day he rides, too. Even before that, there is a life's work of tending his horse in times of peace. There is the grooming, feeding, exercise, mating, and more. All of that behind the scenes type of responsibility. Even so, with all of this work that a man does to prepare for the day of battle, victory still belongs to the Lord. It is not the preparation, it is not the weaponry, it is not the manpower. Generals do not win wars, strategies do not win wars, environments do not win wars. Victory belongs to God. Now, there is a real question as to the scope of that kind of sovereignty. Does God truly determine the victor of every war waged in the history of the world? I don't know. This verse is not making a declaration on the extent of God's involvement in warfare. This verse is reminding us that all of our own efforts, individually, pale in comparison to the will of God. I've heard various military commanders talk about luck in battle, and the Bible certainly does not hold a narrative that chance is its own force. Quite the opposite, it shows us that God controls things that are out of our hands. So, maybe God decides the outcome of every war, maybe not. But, we can be certain that all of our own preparation will not decide victory, when that actually belongs to God.

A) For me, this verse is less about God's sovereignty and more about my responsibility. It's almost like I could read it, "Victory is God's, but the horse is still prepared for the fight." There are many areas in my life, where I have trusted in God's sovereignty, but that may have been turned into an unrighteous irresponsibility (like finances, or leading my wife, or health). Absolutely, I should trust God absolutely. God will win, but that doesn't mean I can neglect my horse.

P) Father, You are sovereign, and victory does belong to You. I know that in the end of the world's time, You will return in righteous judgment. I know that this world will be burned, and new creation is coming. In that sense, at least, I am not the determining factor in Your victory. Not by any measure. Even still, I also know that You have given me a role within Your kingdom. I have a citizenship that carries responsibilities. I don't want to neglect what I should be doing, under some false sense of security because I know that You will win. I know that a lot can be lost during the battle, even if You still hold the ultimate victory. So, open my eyes to see where I have been negligent. Discipline me, so that I am prompted to righteous behavior that prepares me for the fight, and honors You as Lord. Let Your will be done, and be glorified in my life. Thank You for Your mercy, and the grace You continue to work in me. In Jesus's name I pray, amen.

SOAP 01/05/2016; Proverbs 20:17

Today's reading: Genesis 12, 13, 14; Luke 5*

S) "¹⁷ Bread obtained by falsehood is sweet to a man,
But afterward his mouth will be filled with gravel."

Proverbs 20:17 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Proverbs 20

     

O) This proverb is about much more than lying for food. This verse is about stealing what does not belong to us, and the consequences of trying to take such short cuts. This really applies to all sorts of sins. Whether it is the lying that is mentioned here (falsehood), because it is easier or faster, or sins of fornication or theft. All of that amounts to some form of idolatry, because we have a tendency to put things ahead of God in our priorities. But, God cannot be mocked (see Galatians 6:7-8). The point to this verse, is that these kinds of shortcuts that we try to take, to finding meaning or satisfaction or pleasure, they all backfire. The bread, which was so sweet when we put it into our mouths, becomes gravel as soon as we try to chew it. Not only does it lack any kind of nutrition or taste that we were seeking, but it actually breaks our teeth and would wreck our stomachs if we tried to actually eat it.

A) Unfortunately, I know the pain of eating rocks. This verse is a great, succinct reminder of both the deception and the destruction that sin represents. This is why it is so important that I am finding my satisfaction in God, and in the blessings He has already given me. He provides me with all that I need, if only I will seek Him and His ways, and not try to circumvent His plans and do things myself. He intends for me to find companionship in my wife. He intends that I find nutrition in the food He provides. He intends that I live on the wage He has given me, by the honest work He has supplied me. Going outside His plan to find peace, prosperity, or pleasure, will always end with, at the best, a bad taste in my mouth and a turned stomach.

P) Father, everything You have done in grace, is more than I could ever need. Even so, I confess that I have gone outside of Your plan to satisfy cravings that were always meant to draw me to You, not lure me away. Forgive me for trying to find shortcuts to Your ways, God. Give me the discipline to remember this warning, and to remember the horrible taste and aches, that come from trying to eat these metaphorical rocks, Lord. Help me to trust that Your way is the only good way, and that I will never find anything but painful regret, trying to find my own way to what I want. Let Your will be done in my life, and in this world, just as it is in heaven. In Jesus's name I pray, amen.

SOAP 01/04/2016; Proverbs 18:21

Today's reading: Genesis 9, 10, 11; Luke 4*

S) "²¹ Death and life are in the power of the tongue,
And those who love it will eat its fruit."

Proverbs 18:21 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Proverbs 18

 

O) It seems dubious to think that this proverb is talking about literal life and death. So, the first question then becomes, what is meant about death and life by this figure of speech? Many things can be said to die or live, and there are lots of expressions that show us that. "This will be the death of me!" is a fine example. Relationships can certainly live or die. So, realizing the fundamental role our words have in sustaining or destroying things, that is the point of this verse. The second line of this verse is also significant in its own way. Solomon said, "those who love it..." but didn't specify what "it" is. That actually seems intentional, though. If a man loves death, his words will reflect it, and many things in his life will die. If a man loves life, his words will reflect it, and many things in his life will live.

A) The Bible is full of passages, revealing the significance of our words, and this has always stood out as one of the most striking (along with Matthew 12:36). If I want a vibrant marriage, if I want relationships with my kids that thrive into adulthood, if I want my job to continue to be my livelihood, these are all things that are greatly impacted by the words I speak. Everyday I have opportunities to sabotage the things in my life that I value, but I also have opportunities to nourish them. So, I need to be intentional about my words. I need to carefully consider if my speech is nutritious or noxious. Are my words healing or hurting? If I really do love life, the way of life that God sets forth for me, then my words will continue to reflect that. With every redeemed life, God offers a place in His creation story. So, I need to take my role in His story seriously.

P) Father, Your name is great. Your lovingkindness and compassion go before me. Your grace and mercy precede all creation. You are holy and good, and I am humbled by the work You have done in my life, Lord. You have given me great blessings, not the least of which are my wife and children. I know they are the primary ministry that I will ever have. They are the most impacted by my words, or even my lack of words. God, I don't want to damage what You have given me. Forgive me for my careless speech, and discipline my tongue to speak life. I know that it is from the overflow of the heart, that the mouth speaks, and this verse foreshadows those words of Jesus, because if I love death, then my words will follow. So Lord, don't only discipline my tongue, but continue to change my heart to love life, as You teach me. I want to honor Your name with the life You have given me. Help me to leave my wife in a better condition than when You gave her to me. Help me to leave my kids in better conditions than when You gave them to me. May the words I speak be a testimony to others, about the transformative power of Your grace. Be glorified in my speech and in my life. In Jesus's name I pray, amen.

SOAP 01/03/2016; Proverbs 14:12

Today's reading: Genesis 6, 7, 8; Luke 3*

S) "¹² There is a way which seems right to a man,
But its end is the way of death."

Proverbs 14:12 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Proverbs 14

     

O) This is a very succinct reminder of the limitations of man. Our scope is impossibly small. We do not have the capacity to choose the way of life on our own. We can analyze all the information we can perceive, but both our powers of perception and our powers of analysis are hindered by the finite level of knowledge we possess. Ultimately, it is only the ways of God that lead to life, and those will only ever be known by Him, and through Him. Without His intervention, all of our best efforts are futile.

A) Sola gratia is the Latin term meaning "grace alone" that was defined during the Protestant reformation. On my own, I was never going to find myself on the path of righteousness, leading to life eternal. It was only going to happen through grace, starting with God's revelation of Himself by the Holy Spirit drawing me to Him. I know this very well. Even so, I struggle with making many decisions in my life without praying first. I rely too much on my skills and knowledge alone. Certainly God has given me wisdom, and being in His Word everyday gives me a lot of godly direction. Still, I cannot undervalue the guidance o could be receiving by more consistently praying for His direction.

P) Father, Your wisdom cannot be overstated. Your Way is life itself. Thank You for the grace of Your revelation to me. Without knowing You, I would never have known life. Don't let me take that for granted. Even knowing life, I can still make choices that are death-pointed. I want to honor You with my choices. So, draw me into consistent prayer to seek Your will. Have Your way with me. In Jesus's name I pray, amen.

SOAP 01/02/2015; Proverbs 11:22

Today's reading: Genesis 3, 4, 5; Luke 2*

S) "²² As a ring of gold in a swine's snout
So is a beautiful woman who lacks discretion."

Proverbs 11:22 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Proverbs 11

     

O) Rings of gold are valuable in this world, even thousands of years after this verse was written. Even still, a gold ring in the nose of a pig isn't really doing anything useful with that ring (or even with the pig). As ugly as the truth is, beauty can garner a lot of favor in this world. Even so, when it is not paired with discretion, it is wasted, even if it raises the value of a pig. God makes many things and people beautiful, and all should be to His glory.The best way (maybe the only way) to glorify God with a person's beauty, is through discretion and good taste.

A) The biggest place for me to apply this, is certainly in my parenting. My son may grow to be quite handsome, but there is not the same worldly pressure for men to chase beauty. So, my efforts ahould be mostly focused on teaching my daughters the importance of discretion and tasteful beauty (which they certainly learn from Kristin as well, leading them by example). Perhaps the best way for me to get this across, is with positive reinforcement, showing them what I value in them being their behavior, not their appearance. Their outward reflection of a good heart, is more beautiful than any adornment. They are lovely girls, both, and the world will teach them that there is value in their beauty (too much, I'm afraid). But it is up to me and Kristin to help them understand that the world is offering them the role of swines, when they are meant to be women.

P) Father, I want to be a good dad. I want desperately, to raise daughters who understand that beauty is only truly valuable, if it is paired with good character. Open their eyes to see through the lies that the world is selling them. And my son... God let him also realize that the world is trying to sell him pigs with gold rings. Help him to see through the swindlers. Let my kids learn and grow in a household that values people for their righteous character, and for the fact that we are bearers of Your divine image. Be glorified by their views of on beauty and value. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 01/01/2016; Proverbs 10:22

Today's reading: Genesis 1, 2; Luke 1*

S) "²² It is the blessing of the LORD that makes rich,
And He adds no sorrow to it."

Proverbs 10:22 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Proverbs 10

     

O) God is not out to trick anyone. He's not trying to pull a fast one or use a bait and switch. God is not a prankster. When He blesses someone, when He gives wealth, there is no catch that makes the blessing bitter. This is not how grace works. This is what Jesus meant, when He said that God blesses even better than a good father (see Matthew 7:11).

A) With God, all things are possible. When I see something that looks too good to be true, I can almost be certain it is not. Unless that something comes from God. With Him, I can completely trust His blessings. The blessings He gives do not cost me anything. It isn't even really accurate to say that His blessings require my obedience or allegiance, because He blessed me even while I was His enemy. he is good beyond compare, but not beyond belief. The more I recognize His blessings as they are (totally good), the more I trust Him.

P) Father, You are completely holy, even in Your goodness. I would only love to bless my children, but even the way I love them doesn't compare to how You love me. Open my eyes to see Your blessings clearly. Open my ears, to hear Your voice and know Your promises. Help me to trust that what You give me is for my good. Let Your will be done. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.