SOAP 02/19/2016; Ezekiel 7:19

Today's reading: Numbers 5, 6; Psalm 22; Acts 26*

S) "¹⁹ They will fling their silver into the streets and their gold will become an abhorrent thing; their silver and their gold will not be able to deliver them in the day of the wrath of the Lord. They cannot satisfy their appetite nor can they fill their stomachs, for their iniquity has become an occasion of stumbling."

Ezekiel 7:19 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Ezekiel 7

O) This word was spoken about the inhabitants of the land of Israel, because the LORD was going to execute judgment against His people for their rebellion against Him. God specified that it was for the abominations that were in there midst, but as we read on, it was their idols which had been fashioned with silver and gold. But, in the day of His wrath, when His sovereignty, righteousness, and power are undeniable and against them, the people would realize just how wicked these things had become to them. It is not that the silver and gold are, in themselves evil. When we read the very next verse, it confirms that God had actually blessed His people. However, they turned that blessing into an opportunity for idolatry.

A) One aspect of sin, is that it seems to perpetually be rooted in something that God intended for good. The beauty of sex becomes the vileness of pornography or human trafficking. The provision of money becomes the obsession with greed. The advantage of intellect becomes a the ruthlessness of arrogance. On and on it goes. It is no different in my own life. There is a temptation to take what God has intended to be a blessing to me, and for me to get it twisted and it becomes something sinful. It is at that moment, when I realize that I have profaned what He meant to be holy, that the thing then seems abhorrent to me. But, I thank God all the more for my redemption in Christ Jesus. Not only can He wash me clean, but I am being sanctified through the work of the Holy Spirit. God can restore what I have defiled. When I realize that my iniquities have created occasions for stumbling, I don't have to face the wrath of the LORD. When I repent, God will restore. It isn't always what I expect, or how I want it, but it is always for my good and His glory.

P) Father, You are holy and Your gifts are good. Still, I confess that I have a terrible habit of taking good things and defiling them. But, I don't want my reaction to be so extreme as to fling Your blessings into the streets. Please forgive me for my sins. Please restore the blessings to the way You intended them, for my good, but more for Your glory. I acknowledge that every judgment, every discipline, every execution of Your will is good. You are good beyond compare or criticism. You have been abundantly kind to Your servant. You redeemed me through the work on the cross. When I jeopardize the blessings You have given me, please redeem what You will from the things I have endangered or muddied or broken. In You is the fullness of my hope and peace, prosperity and joy, love and contentment. To You belongs all glory and honor. Let Your will be done. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 02/18/2016; Ezekiel 6:9

Today's reading: Numbers 3, 4; Acts 25*

S) "⁹ Then those of you who escape will remember Me among the nations to which they will be carried captive, how I have been hurt by their adulterous hearts which turned away from Me, and by their eyes which played the harlot after their idols; and they will loathe themselves in their own sight for the evils which they have committed, for all their abominations."

Ezekiel 6:9 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Ezekiel 6

O) This verse speaks a number of truths about God. For one, it shows us that His preserving grace abounds. Just like He spared some from the flood (Noah's family), or how He spared some from Sodom (Lot's family), so He also spared some from the annihilation that came during the exile of both kingdoms, Israel and Judah. It's noteworthy, also, that this grace is also founded in mercy. This remnant saved differed (perhaps) from Noah or Lot, because this remnant was certainly guilty and deserved the same destruction that came upon their countrymen. We also see in this verse, the way God intends for us to respond to His lovingkindness and compassion, that it would lead to repentance. But, what stood out the most in this verse, is the characterization, that God is actually hurt by our idolatries. We know that He is a jealous God, but the concept of hurting God seems unsettling. Make God angry? Sure we can. Make God jealous? Yeah, we see that plainly. Make God feel hurt? That has heavy implications.

A) Perhaps the biggest, most notable difference in my life, between living a rebellious life or a life submitted to the lordship of Christ, is that I didn't care much about how God saw my sins when I was rebelling against Him. But, when I repented and still fell into sin, my immediate reaction was regret. It wasn't that I was afraid God would smite me. I wasn't afraid I was suddenly unsaved. I regretted it because it felt the same as when I sinned against another person. I don't think I ever would have thought to use the word "hurt" in context with my sin against God, though. Certainly, I have sinned and hurt my wife. I have sinned and hurt my brother. Those type of things I immediately regretted because I love these people and I knew that sinning against them hurt them. When I would sin against God (and really, every sin is borne from some kind of idolatry of the heart, which is sinning against God), I would feel like I did when I sinned against people, but I never connected it as directly, as to say my sins hurt God. But, that's exactly what this verse is confirming. Every Christian knows God doesn't like it when we sin. I have always known that. But it is a new and profound thought, to know that I am hurting God when I sin.

P) Father, You are so good, so gracious and merciful, so loving. I hate that I have hurt You. I hate that my selfish, idolizing heart, causes You pain. I am full of regret, thinking about my sins this way. I do loathe myself in this way, Father. Open my eyes to see sinning this way. There is no such thing as a victimless crime. Even if my sins don't hurt people, my sins hurt You. Please forgive me for my sins against You, Father. Please continue to sanctify me. Help me to walk in the power of the Holy Spirit, fully submitted to Your ways, that I would resist temptation and walk in Your righteousness. All to Your glory and by Your will. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 02/17/2016; Ezekiel 3:11

Today's reading: Numbers 1, 2; Acts 24*

S) "¹¹ Go to the exiles, to the sons of your people, and speak to them and tell them, whether they listen or not, 'Thus says the Lord God.'"

Ezekiel 3:11 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Ezekiel 3

O) There are two important lessons to remember, when it comes to Ezekiel's mission. The first lesson, is that there are fundamental differences between the message to God's people, and the message to the rest of the world. Throughout most of the Old Testament, the message to God's people was the law and the prophets, instructing His people how to live. The message to the rest of the world, was that there is only one, true, living God, and His name is the LORD. In both cases, the point is that God is holy, but the methods were different. When Jesus came, the message was different to the Pharisees than it was to just about anyone else. Although all were instructed to stop sinning, the starting point and the message to get there, was considerably different. We see this concept reflected by Paul (see 1 Corinthians 5:9-11), in that there is a different relationship for those who are within the church and those who are not. So, the first lesson from this passage, is that the message differs in execution, depending on the audience. The second lesson from this passage, is that it is not up to us to determine the outcome. Ezekiel was not sent to convince anyone. He was simply sent to tell people the truth.

A) These two points work in concert. As I have gotten a little older (a little), I have an easier time conforming to the first point. When I am talking to another Christian about issues in their life, it's easier for me to go directly to what the Bible actually says. When I am talking to an unbeliever, and they bring up issues in their life, I refrain from giving any kind of advice (unless I'm really pressed), and instead I try to use my own life or experiences as a counterpoint to theirs, in light of the gospel. So, if someone is complaining about their wife, I want to counter by telling them how much God has blessed my marriage. The harder part for me, is actually the second point from the verse above, when I am talking to Christians. Because so much of my life is parenting, and correcting and teaching and, essentially, convincing my children about truths of the world, it's tempting to want to convince other Christians about biblical principles. I need to remember that it's not up to me to convince anyone of what the Bible teaches. It's my responsibility to share truth with my brothers, it's not my responsibility to convince them. I do have a responsibility to tell the truth, but it must always be done with respect and in love. My goal should be unity and understanding. I must learn to let it go, though, when I simply do not see eye to eye with someone, when it's not a matter of salvific doctrine.

P) Father, Your words are truth and life. Help me to keep that in mind at all times. Your words are also deep, and rich, and multifaceted. Please give me better understanding, patience, and wisdom when I am sharing the Word. When I am speaking with those who have not heard the gospel, help me focus on Your grace and mercy and lovingkindness. When I am speaking with those who have already accepted the truth of the gospel, help me to speak about Your righteousness, instruction, and judgment, while still not neglecting the more tender aspects of Your character. In everything, let me seek unity, peace, salvation, and above all, Your glory. Give me the boldness to not shrink away from hard conversations, but also the discernment to see when talking is fruitless. Let Your will be done in all things. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 02/16/2016; Daniel 10:13

Today's reading: Leviticus 26, 27; Acts 23*

S) "¹³ But the prince of the kingdom of Persia was withstanding me for twenty-one days; then behold, Michael, one of the chief princes, came to help me, for I had been left there with the kings of Persia."

Daniel 10:13 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Daniel 10

O) This chapter starts by telling us Daniel had seen a disturbing vision, and had fasted and prayed for three weeks. At the end of that he was visited by an angel, who spoke these words to him, while telling him that he was coming to answer Daniel's prayers for understanding. This small verse, inserted into the larger message, reveals in itself some key principles to learn. The first thing to clarify, is that Michael (who is a known angel of God), is described to Daniel as a chief prince. So, it makes sense to see that the prince of the kingdom of Persia was probably not a human, either. It stands to reason that the kings of Persia mentioned are not men, either. This angel was describing his spiritual fight with the principalities "world forces of this darkness" (see Ephesians 6:12). Next, we cannot ignore the fact that Daniel was fasting and praying for the same time that this angel was fighting. Daniel was seeking an answer, this angel was assigned to give it. Daniel was fasting and praying, waiting for the answer. The angel was fighting to get away to Daniel. The length of time that he was fasting and the angel was fighting, would still seem to be circumstantial. The fact that they are the same amount of time, though, really isn't. This does not necessarily mean that Daniel's fast impacted the angel's fight (although it might've). It does, however, mean that there are delays in our prayers being answered, sometimes. We don't always know why, but there are always reasons. God knows why, and we must trust that He will give the answer we need, when we need it, according to His timing. The last point to remember from this, is that ours is not the only battle happening within God's kingdom. While it was important that Daniel receive the answer he sought, it was also important for these kings of Persia to be fought.

A) This all seems somewhat fantastic. It's hard to remember, in my material, pragmatic world, that there are spiritual battles being fought all the time. Not only spiritual aspects of human conflicts, but that angels fighting demons is a reality. This verse is a reminder that the spiritual struggle is real. When I am seeking an answer from God, praying and even fasting, sometimes it can seem that my wait is interminable. I need to remember that God has reasons for not answering, yet. Certainly, things are a little different for me, than for Daniel. Most importantly, I have the indwelling Holy Spirit, so it's not exactly like God would have to send an angel to tell me something. He can speak directly to me. Through the Word, through the Spirit, and through other Christians. God is never withstood, when He sets out to do. He is also not limited to location. If God ever wanted me to know something, I would know it (whether or not I believe it is another story, perhaps). Still, God would have plenty of personal reasons for me to not know something, or not know it yet. When I am waiting, I must remember to trust. Secondly, I must remember to keep praying for His will to be done in His kingdom as a whole, not just in my little section of it. There are many, many more fights going on around the globe, all of which deserve God's attention. Most of them are more deserving than the things I am praying, I am sure. I must remain humble and remember that my needs are relative and they are not exclusive.

P) Father, You are perfect in Your providence, timing, and judgments. Your will for me is the best plan it could ever be, including Your will to limit what I know, even if those limitations last a lifetime. I do want to know some things, though. I want to know if or when I should move to Montana. I want to know if I will be able to stay with my current employer. I have a lot of detailed questions about that possibility. Please answer, according to Your will. I am intentionally choosing to wait for Your answer, though. I am determined to trust in Your will. Today, I am also reminded that my needs are small, compared to many needs around Your kingdom. I am reminded that there are pressing needs that deserve Your attention, not that You are limited to location or effort. I know that You are sovereign and omnipotent. This is all the more reason that I ask for Your will to be done in my life, but also on earth and all across Your kingdom. I understand, at least in part, that there are fights happening that I will never know. I pray for Your will to be done in them all, according to Your perfect timing. All of this is to Your glory, alone. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 02/15/2016; Zechariah 12:10

Today's reading: Leviticus 25, Psalm 25, 26; Acts 22*

S) "¹⁰ I will pour out on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the Spirit of grace and of supplication, so that they will look on Me whom they have pierced; and they will mourn for Him, as one mourns for an only son, and they will weep bitterly over Him like the bitter weeping over a firstborn."

Zechariah 12:10 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Zechariah 12

O) This is another Old Testament prophecy that holds shades of the Messiah. I haven't yet learned enough history to know if this was also fulfilled in ancient Jerusalem (before Jesus), but when read in the context of the arrest, crucifixion, and death of Jesus Christ, then we see a big picture of the extent and fullness of God's grace. Most of the Jews in Jerusalem were in unison, crying for the crucifixion of their own Messiah (though they didn't know He was). Yet, after His death, the eyes of many were opened, and those who were once His direct enemies were coming back to Him. In God's grace, He knew beforehand that the very people to whom Jesus was sent, to be their Savior first, that they would betray Him. In His grace, God the Father still drew them to Himself, by His very own Spirit. The nature of His grace is that He sent a sacrifice, sent His one and only Son to die, to save His own enemies, the very ones who killed that same Son. God's grace took their treachery and redeemed it for His purposes. Thankfully, it didn't end there. Many of those same Jews came to repentance, learning about the resurrection of Jesus Christ, His conquering of sin and death, and His ascension to heaven.

A) God's grace is bigger than my own mistakes. Even after submitting my life to the lordship of Jesus Christ, after choosing to follow Him, to be His disciple, there are still sins in my life. The difference, though, is my understanding of grace, which leads me to repentance, and allows mercy to become real to me. I have a tendency to wallow when I have sinned in certain ways. I tend to let the feelings of shame weigh on me, even after the guilt is washed away in Christ. This is really because of taking my eyes off of the power of His grace. I understand the mercy part. I understand the justice being done. Jesus died to pay for my sins, all of them, even the ones I've yet to do. So, He was punished instead of me, which affords me the forgiveness I need. But the grace says more than that. The grace tells the rest of the story. The grace tells me that God loves me, that He wants me, even though I am a broken, sinful, and desperate sinner. When I am walking in repentance, when I am walking in the Spirit, then He sees me in Christ. But, when I am sinning... He still sees my sins. He still sees my selfish ambitions. But, He also sees His plan. He also sees His redemption. He sees how He will use all things for the good of those who love Him. Without question, it would be better to not sin. However, the beauty of grace is that it reveals another dimension of His providence and love. I don't have to stay ashamed of my sins, after the guilt has been washed, because His grace can redeem anything. His grace redeems me completely.

P) Father, the depths of Your grace is too far for me to see. Your understanding, Your wisdom, Your knowledge is beyond my comprehension. How You do what You do is a mystery that is beyond me. You are holy. Thank You, though, for teaching me. Thank You for redeeming me. Thank You for the Counselor I have, to help me understand more and more. I want to be holy as You are holy, seeing things from Your perspective, becoming more like You in character. I want to love my enemies as You loved me, Your enemy. I want to extend grace to others and reflect the grace of the gospel. I want to reveal redemption to the most hopeless situations, showing the love of Christ to the helpless and lost. I confess that I am still broken, not yet completed in Your grace. I confess that I still sin, that I am easily distracted, that I am tempted and I fail. But, I pray for Your forgiveness. I thank You for the work of the cross. I ask for Your grace to continue in me, just as Your word says in Philippians. Please continue the good work You have started in me, until the day You complete it. When I do sin, and I repent, bring me out of my shame. Help me to live in Your grace, as well as Your mercy. Don't let my sins rob me of time, as well as whatever else they might have cost me. Redeem me, use me, God. Let Your will be done. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 02/14/2016; Zechariah 9:9

Today's reading: Leviticus 23, 24, Psalm 24; Acts 21*

S) "⁹ Rejoice greatly, O daughter of Zion!
Shout in triumph, O daughter of Jerusalem!
Behold, your king is coming to you;
He is just and endowed with salvation,
Humble, and mounted on a donkey,
Even on a colt, the foal of a donkey."

Zechariah 9:9 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Zechariah 9

O) This passage, spoken to an oppressed, exhausted, exiled nation, would have been life-giving. Every burden is easier to bear, when and end is in sight, or at least promised. In this case, though, the Savior King they were promised was not a military or political figure. This was none other than the Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ. Indeed, when Jesus rode into Jerusalem, He was just and carried salvation with Him.

A) Every prophecy about Jesus, written in the Old Testament, is worth highlighting. If for no other reason, than that it reminds me that God is omniscient and true. This particular prophecy reminds me to trust God, and to remember that His understanding of things is not always going to align with my expectations. However, when that is the case, it is because my sights are set too low. How futile it would have been, if the king Israel received had been a mere man. Instead, the Savior who did come, brought salvation and peace eternal. He established a spiritual kingdom that will never end, and can never be conquered. He granted citizenship by that same Savior, granting is eternal life in Him. This is an immeasurably better King.

P) Father, Your promises are beyond my comprehension, sometimes. Your ways are so far beyond my ways, Your thoughts above my thoughts. But, I do know that You are trustworthy and good. So, in seeing that You are holy, I believe You all the more. Help me to hold firmly to Your promises, to believe that You are better than anything I can hope for or imagine. Increase my faith, Lord. Let Your will be done. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 02/13/2016; Zechariah 6:7

Today's reading: Leviticus 20, 21, 22; Acts 20*

S) "^{7 '}When the strong ones went out, they were eager to go to patrol the earth.' And He said, 'Go, patrol the earth.' So they patrolled the earth."

Zechariah 6:7 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Zechariah 6

O) Like most of the prophecies of the Old Testament, this chapter would seem to be fulfilled, with the references to the Israelites in Babylon. That historical period is obviously over. The four chariots who would patrol (or, at least three of the four) seem to resemble the four horsemen of Revelation, so there is some thought that this passage may have spiritual applications for the future, but even the horsemen of Revelation might be historical in their roles. In either case, the actual details of the prophecy (that these spirits went forth to different areas, and what they did - or will do) does not have any direct impact on my life here and now. Instead of trying to find some epic meaning, we can also look at this passage and see something simpler, easier to relate. These spirits sought to serve God in something. They had a purpose, a desire for doing something particular for God. When they were heard, and they were commissioned (so to speak), then they went and did it.

A) Setting aside speculations about the nature of these spirits (if they had free will, for example), I can still see their brief story as an example of purpose, supplication, passion, and execution. They seemed to understand why they were created, and they wanted to fulfill their purpose. They sought it out, and did it with haste. Sometimes it seems that discovering purpose is half the issue, but not necessarily for myself. I know the talents and skills and passions God has given me. I know what I can do, and what I want to do for God. Keeping my focus on those things, and actually prioritizing them to do them, that is my struggle. I just need to go out and patrol, now.

P) Father, thank You for the gifts, talents, and passions You have given me. Thank You for equipping me to serve You. It's a blessing to be involved, to be invited to do kingdom work. I don't want to delay, Lord. Discipline me, to do my work with diligence and excellence. Help me to keep focus on honoring You, glorifying Your great name in everything I am doing. Let Your will be done in my life and in Your kingdom work. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.