SOAP 03/12/2016; 1 Kings 5:12

Today's reading: Deuteronomy 19, 20, 21; Galatians 3*

S) "¹² The LORD gave wisdom to Solomon, just as He promised him; and there was peace between Hiram and Solomon, and the two of them made a covenant."

1 Kings 5:12 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read 1 Kings 5

O) This verse is significant because of its placement. This entire chapter is about the practical application of Solomon's wisdom. He was beginning his endeavor to build the temple for the LORD, and he knew he needed good wood for the building, so he reached out to Hiram. Hiram had been a good ally with David, king before Solomon. The verse above comes just about in the middle of the chapter. Before this verse, we see the diplomatic wisdom Solomon had. After this verse, we see the logistic wisdom Solomon had. So, one of the significant things this whole chapter is revealing, is that the wisdom of Solomon was not for the purpose of writing a thousand proverbs. This wasn't some hypothetical or theoretical gift that he had. He was given wisdom and wealth for practical implementation, with the purpose of fulfilling God's plans.

A) Sometimes it's easy for me to forget that I have been gifted, I have skills, I have knowledge, all for practical purposes. It's easy to get sucked into meaningless debates. It's easy for me to get sucked into an argument, for example, where the only conceivable goal is to win. Like, there's not any other thing I could accomplish, but win for winning's sake. That's far from wise, but straight foolishness. Not only is that a waste of God-given blessings, it steals His glory. I need to use the gifts God has given me, for the purposes God has given them.

P) Father, You have blessed me in many ways. Sometimes it's easy for me to miss the point. Please forgive me for the sin of stealing Your glory. Please forgive me for misusing the gifts You have given me. Open my eyes to see the opportunities You are bringing to me. Help me to see every chance to glorify You. Let me seek out practical ways to put my faith to work, and don't let me get trapped in the mire of endless debates, fruitless feats, or foolishness. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 03/11/2016; 1 Kings 4:29-30

Today's reading: Deuteronomy 16, 17, 18; Psalm 38; Galatians 2*

S) "²⁹ Now God gave Solomon wisdom and very great discernment and breadth of mind, like the sand that is on the seashore. ³⁰ Solomon's wisdom surpassed the wisdom of all the sons of the east and all the wisdom of Egypt"

1 Kings 4:29-30 (NASB)

*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read 1 Kings 4

O) The first thing to remember, reading about Solomon, is that there was some measure of hyperbole with regard to his wisdom and wealth. For one thing, Solomon was not more wise than Jesus was, so in places where it says that he was more wise than anyone before or after him, we must recognize that as an idiom. The same was said about his wealth, and that may not be true even in our current world economy. Nevertheless, there is no doubt that Solomon was, indeed, very wise, had great discernment, and surpassed all of his contemporaries. But, the two verses above remind us of a few very important things. First, that everything Solomon had was given to him by God. We don't really know what kind of man Solomon was, before being anointed as king and praying to God that first night for the wisdom to lead, but he certainly wasn't noted for being clever or ambitious. While his other siblings had machinations, we simply don't read of Solomon doing anything. This is certainly not to say that he was some kind of recluse, or that he lacked any understanding, but it wasn't notable. So when he ascended the throne, then displayed great wisdom and began a new era of prosperity in Israel, it was very notable because it wasn't there before (at least not near this degree). God gave Solomon wisdom. The second thing that these verses point out, is that they remind us of the purpose for that wisdom. That wisdom was given to Solomon to glorify God among the nations. God raised His people above their surrounding countries. God made His people flourish under an amazing king, for the purposes of showing Himself as holy and His people as His own. Why was Solomon compared to the people of the east, and to the Egyptians? In order that the LORD would be compared to their gods, and be revealed as the only living God. He was to be exalted as the only God to give such wisdom and wealth.

A) Comparison is a great way to bread discontent. I know that. If I am comparing myself to others, I will inevitably feel inadequate or superior, and neither of those attitudes glorify God. However, if I am comparing my Master to the masters that the world serves, then I can glorify God. If I am living in such a way that they compare themselves to me, then that is an opportunity for evangelism. That gets people asking me why I am the way I am, which opens the door to conversations about the grace of God in my life, and how He is the only reason I am where I am, how I am, who I am. I should pursue excellence and excellence. Wealth is okay to have (although I resist it because of Matthew 19:24), as is public recognition. What really matters, though, is the context of these things in my life, and how I choose to relate them back to Jesus Christ as my God.

P) Father, there is no doubt at all that Your grace is upon me. You have blessed me with some amount of wisdom and understanding, some amount of knowledge. You have blessed me with compassion and joy. You have blessed me with an amazing wife and marriage. You have blessed me with great kids who are healthy and happy, who love their parents and each other and You. I have a good job and a good relationship with my in-laws. These are all things that the world also desires. These are all things which You have given me. I didn't earn any of this. I didn't make any of this happen. You worked in me, through me, to bring about these blessings. I don't want to minimize them in an effort to stay humble. Instead, I want to let them fulfill their purpose, which is to glorify You as the only true God. To glorify You as good, holy, powerful, loving, and true. Let the world see who I am, what You have done in me, what You have given me. Let me talk about it freely, but always and only in the context of giving You all glory, Lord. The very last thing I would ever want, is to fall into the trap that Solomon did, having all the right things, all the right answers, and still missing the purpose. Be glorified in my life, in every conceivable way. Let the world see how good You are, how real You are, because of what You have done in me. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 03/10/2016; Galatians 1:10

Today's reading: Deuteronomy 13, 14, 15; Galatians 1

S) "¹⁰ For am I now seeking the favor of men, or of God? Or am I striving to please men? If I were still trying to please men, I would not be a bond-servant of Christ."

Galatians 1:10 (NASB)

O) Paul was reminding the church to remain faithful to the gospel as he received it, and as he first gave it to the Galatian church. He warned them not to receive any gospel preached that was contrary, and that a preacher such as that should be accursed. Then comes this seemingly unrelated verse. But, what Paul is really reminding them with this verse, is that the real gospel will get them in trouble. There are always masses of people who don't want the truth, who want to deny the power and legitimacy of the gospel. In an effort to please them, to "draw them in," there is a temptation to distort the gospel. There is a temptation to make it more palatable to people who don't actually want it. Paul was, therefore, defending himself and reassuring the church, that he will continue to preach the actual gospel, even when it displeases men, because his obedience to Christ defines everything he does, or else he wouldn't be a Christian at all.

A) This is a very convicting verse. In the context of this verse, when I realize that I am a man, then it puts my selfish desires and fears in direct conflict with my obedience to Christ Jesus. That is to say, am I going to do what the world wants, what I want, or what Jesus wants? Am I going to give my testimony, but edit it because of fears of how people will react, fears about how it will make me look? In context, as Paul said in the few verses before this, I must be prepared to preach the gospel, to share the truth from the Bible, no matter what. But, this verse also reminds me (and is confirmed through many other verses), that I must deny myself in favor of Christ. When I ask myself the question, "Am I striving to please men?" I need to be asking at that same time, "Am I striving to please myself?" That is the normal, human thing to do. That's why Paul said, "if I were still trying," because that's who he was, even as a Pharisee. That's who I was in the world, unabashedly trying to please men (whether myself or others, on some level). Instead, though, I must remember that I do not belong to myself. I was purchased at a price. I am therefore the bond-servant, the slave, of Jesus Christ, and joyfully so.

P) Father, there is no God except You. There is no life, no promise, no hope, except in You. You are holy, compassionate, full of lovingkindness and grace. There are elements of the gospel that are hard to accept or understand. The way You balance grace and mercy. The way You balance justice and free-will. The way You relate to Yourself in the trinity. The way that faith works with obedience, and obedience works with faith. These things are difficult to understand and accept, especially for people entrenched in the world's way of thinking. But God, I know the truth, that Your way is the only way that holds life. Your way is the only way that holds promise. Your way is the only way that holds hope. If I am trying to change the gospel, to tailor it, to make it easier to accept, then I am not preaching the gospel. If I am living my life to please myself, then I am not living it to please Jesus Christ, my Lord, my King, my Master, my Savior. Do whatever it takes, Father, to discipline me. Correct me, restrain me, rebuke me, let me suffer, if that's what it takes to help me mature and to walk in the submissive obedience, the fearless honesty, that You are asking of me. In everything, I want You to be glorified, exactly as You want to be. I never want to misrepresent You, with my words or my actions. Let my life honor Your name. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 03/09/2016; Micah 3:5

Today's reading: Deuteronomy 10, 11, 12; Mark 16*

S) "⁵ Thus says the Lord concerning the prophets who lead my people astray;

When they have something to bite with their teeth,
They cry, 'Peace,'
But against him who puts nothing in their mouths
They declare holy war."

Micah 3:5 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Micah 3

O) Micah was speaking against the prophets here, because they were letting the circumstances around them direct the "word of God" that they gave to the people. They were assessing headlines. When there was something to bite with their teeth (i.e., when there was prosperity and plenty), they declared that everything was fine and they should all be at peace. But, if there was a lack, a famine, or simply seeing something a neighboring country had that they wanted, then they would falsely prophesy that the LORD wanted them to go to war. This profaned the name of God, it defiled their position as prophets, and it was misleading the people that they were supposed to be instructing, protecting, and feeding.

A) Every husband is called to lead his wife, so I will always be a leader by definition, until death parts me from my wife. Then there are also my kids following my lead, at least while they are in my home. This is letting alone anyone else who might follow my lead, whether at work, in friendships, or other ministry. Sometimes, the weight of that leadership can seem heavy to me. Then, I remember that God's not asking me to do it alone. In fact, sometimes it's as easy as me refusing to do it on my own. Leading on my own will get me into trouble, just like the prophets that Micah was rebuking. I cannot allow my circumstances to change how I view God. I cannot let my circumstances convince me of anything He is saying. His word is sure, and Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. If there are times of hunger, then God is still gracious and He still loves me the same amount. If there are times of fullness, then God is still gracious and He still loves me the same amount. He loves me the same, regardless. He loves me all of the way, because that is the nature of His grace. He has standards of righteousness and holiness that do not change, regardless of the surrounding circumstances. He has grace and mercy when I (or we) fail, regardless of the surrounding circumstances. As a leader, it is my job to pursue Him fully. I seek Him, trust Him, and love Him. I lead by example. The goal is not for them to follow me, or fulfill my will, but for them to follow Jesus, fulfilling His will, as I follow Him.

P) Father, in Your grace You have given me great responsibilities, but by that same grace You have made me a more responsible man. When I got married, I didn't really understand the leadership role that it is. When I chose to start having kids, it was the same. Still, Your grace has brought me along. You have shaped me, changed me, matured me. I know that I still miss the mark, but I am committed to following You now, Lord. I pray that they follow me, following You. Help me to see my circumstances as just that, circumstantial. Help me to see You for the unchanging, loving, compassionate Father that You are, God. Help me to teach my family to know You, to find Your will, regardless of circumstances. Help me to lead them, to teach them to worship You in everything. In You there is life, and nowhere else. Help us to put all of our faith, hope, security, and trust in You. Help us to find peace, joy, love, and contentment in You alone. Help me to be faithful, leading by example. All of this according to Your will, for Your glory. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 03/08/2016; Micah 2:1

Today's reading: Deuteronomy 7, 8, 9; Mark 15*

S) "¹ Woe to those who scheme iniquity,
Who work out evil on their beds!
When morning comes, they do it,
For it is in the power of their hands."

Micah 2:1 (NASB)

*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Micah 2

O) This verse seems to affirm three critical elements of sins. First, it brings destruction. Second, it escalates, because if we dwell on sinning mentally, it's only a matter of time before we are sinning physically. This is really because, as Jesus clarified, sinning in our hearts is, in fact, still sinning). Last, this verse confirms that our sins are our own. We have the power to sin. This is what was purchased with Adam and Eve biting that fruit. We have the capacity to sin, and that is indeed by free will.

A) The remedy to these three warnings, comes from walking in the Spirit. When I am walking in the spirit, I am walking in life. When I am walking in the Spirit, my mind is being renewed and my heart is being healed. Lastly, when I am walking in the Spirit, He is changing my very will, to conform with His will.

P) Father, Your standard is perfection, and I know that I am woefully short of that. But, in the Holy Spirit, I am strengthened. In Christ, all things are possible for me. I want to honor You, and I also want to avoid destruction. In You, both things happen. Still, I confess that there are still those times, when I am foolishly, arrogantly, selfishly planning evil in my heart. Forgive me for that, Lord. Heal me of those self-inflicted, sin-borne wounds. Be glorified, as I continue to lean on the Holy Spirit to walk in righteousness. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 03/07/2016; Nahum 3:19

Today's reading: Deuteronomy 5, 6; Psalm 43; Mark 14*

S) "¹⁹ There is no relief for your breakdown,
Your wound is incurable.
All who hear about you
Will clap their hands over you,
For on whom has not your evil passed continually?"

Nahum 3:19 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Nahum 3

O) This is the final verse of condemnation from Nahum to Nineveh. There are essentially two ways of reading this verse. We can see it quite literally, in a physical or natural way. The city of Nineveh was utterly destroyed and, for centuries, it's location was unknown because it had long been buried. In a physical, natural sense, the city was broken down, never to recover, never to rise again. Its destruction was just about as complete as it could be. Then, there is a spiritual, supernatural sense to this verse. God was, after all, passing judgment on this city. Their incurable wounds were based in their idolatry and violence, and therefore their sins, their wounds, were spiritual. In either sense, it is God alone who controls that kind of judgment. Whether God meant this spiritually or physically, it was He who wounded them, He broke them down. So, surely His sovereignty and power meant that He could cure them; He could provide relief. But, in the end, we see that He would not, He did not. And, whether this was spiritual or physical, or both, the onlookers had no sympathy. That alone, is testament to their evil, passed continually on others.

A) This verse is a reminder that wounds are often spiritual and physical. As much as Jesus brings healing to my body, he also brings healing to my soul. Additionally, like a father disciplines a son with blows (keeping in mind that discipline is not the same as punishment), there will surely be times when God allows (or even causes?) my physical harm, if it will discipline me to live a more godly life. Even more to the point, though, my own sins will cause me (and others) spiritual wounds if I am not repentant. But, that is also by His design. Sins separate me from Him. The fact that they also cost me relationships or peace, the fact that I am hurt in my spirit when I sin, if that also brings me to repentance, then it serves His purpose and glorifies Him. Because He is sovereign, these wounds are in His control (whether active or passive, physical or spiritual). Thankfully, there is the cross. Because of the work of Jesus Christ, I can be healed. That is a provision of grace because He takes away my sins and heals me. I don't believe every wound is a result of my own sin, necessarily, whether it's a physical wound or a spiritual one. and, healing is sometimes a lifelong process. In the end, though, I know that I will finally be made whole in Christ. I won't suffer the same fate as Nineveh on the last day.

P) Father, thank You for healing me. Thank You for redeeming me and bringing me back to You. Thank You for allowing me to taste the wounds that come from my own sins. Thank You for allowing me to experience some of those consequences. Even still, I am certainly aware that I have not taken anything close to what I deserve, Your grace is amazing, Lord. Thank You for the confidence I have in the power of the gospel, that in Christ I can be healed from every wound. Indeed, in Him, I will be healed from every wound, even if I have to wait my lifetime to get there. You are so good to me. I am so aware that I deserve nothing good, yet You give me only what is good. Thank You, Lord. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 03/06/2016; Habakkuk 3:17-18

Today's reading: Deuteronomy 3, 4; Psalm 36; Mark 13*

S) "¹⁷ Though the fig tree should not blossom
And there be no fruit on the vines,
Though the yield of the olive should fail
And the fields produce no food,
Though the flock should be cut off from the fold
And there be no cattle in the stalls,
¹⁸ Yet I will exult in the Lord,
I will rejoice in the God of my salvation."

Habakkuk 3:17-18 (NASB)
*because there are already entries for each of these chapters, I also read Habakkuk 3

O) Habakkuk knew that perilous times were coming. He knew there would be no blossoms, fruit, olives, produce, flock, or cattle. He knew it was coming. But, the reason he had peace about it, was rooted in the very fact that he knew this would happen at all. He knew, because God told him it would happen. In that telling, he could understand God's sovereignty. Despite all of the calamity that was coming, he was able to determine ahead of time, to exult in the LORD his God. He was able to rejoice, knowing that his God still held salvation in His hands.

A) For myself, God has never told me about any specific calamities that were coming. However, Jesus made it plain that this world would bring me trouble, but I don't have to fear because He has overcome the world. I can make the same determination that Habakkuk did, because I know the same God he knows. Our God does not change. He was sovereign then, and He is sovereign now. Even if I die in calamity, I know that I live in Christ. Even if I die among injustices, I know that His justice will come. In the face of every adversity, I can determine right now, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation.

P) Father, You are good regardless of my circumstances. Other things, on which people put their hope, these things invariably disappoint because they are completely dependent on circumstance. You are not, though. You are holy. You are not dependent on anything or anyone. Your power is incomparable and Your sovereignty is undeniable. So, whether it is on earth or in heaven, I know that I am saved because You promised I am saved. Let me forever be found in Christ Jesus, the source of my every hope, peace, and joy. Let me walk in the power of the Holy Spirit, that I will accomplish Your will. And, whatever I face, let Your praise be on my lips to my very last earthly breath. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.

SOAP 03/05/2016; Jeremiah 49:16

Today's reading: Deuteronomy 1, 2; Mark 12

S) "¹⁶ 'As for the terror of you,
The arrogance of your heart has deceived you,
O you who live in the clefts of the rock,
Who occupy the height of the hill.
Though you make your nest as high as an eagle's,
I will bring you down from there,' declares the LORD."

Jeremiah 49:16 (NASB)

O) This prophecy against Edom (who was Esau), comes in a line of prophecies against neighboring nations of Judah, who were guilty of various against Judah (not to mention their sins against the LORD, directly). In the case of Edom, their history is long and storied against their ancient brother, and it's still not over. At this time, they were still feeling quite secure in their hill country, because it had always been easy to defend, making it difficult to conquer. But, in this case, God was rebuking them because they misunderstood the source of their security.

A) The line, "the arrogance of your heart has deceived you," really, really stood out to me. I have lived in that kind of arrogance. When I have been under that kind of delusion (which is what that type of arrogance brings), the most typical way I was confronted about it was through forced recognition. For example, when I realized I was not, in fact, very good at chess. I joined the chess club full of arrogance, and I was immediately struck down, easily and quickly, by a very good player. This made me quite angry, but in all the wrong ways. I was angry at the player. I was angry at the very game of chess. I was angry in just about every wrong way. I never considered for even a moment, that the real reason for my anger, was that my arrogance had deceived me into thinking I was better than I was. As I really submitted myself to Christ, and deliberately chose to humble myself before Him, I began to see all of the destructive ways my arrogance had deceived me. Now I know, that I cannot rely on myself to know when I am being arrogant. Sin is deceitful anyway, and arrogance is certainly both a sin and deceitful. So, the solution is to make it my default posture, to be humble. Then, I must first submit myself to the corrective authority of Scripture. I also need honest and vulnerable relationships with people who can rebuke me when I am being arrogant about something. That starts with my wife, but it certainly does not end there. I need brothers who can come alongside me and boldly show me my errors.

P) Father, You are holy. Your wisdom and understanding are incomprehensible. At the same time, Your compassion and lovingkindness are unsearchable. The way You have balanced mercy and justice is simply amazing. Your perfect purity is too much for me to understand. When I see myself clearly, which is only possible because of the grace at work in me, I realize more and more how much I have needed that grace. You have brought me far in my spiritual growth and maturity, but I know I am far from finished. When I look back, remembering how foolishly arrogant I was, it is a wonder that it didn't cost me more. That is, I acknowledge, another facet of the grace I have received. Even now, I know that arrogance is something that can rear its ugly head. It is, perhaps, the sneakiest of sins. So Lord, I pray that You keep my eyes open. Help me to be sensitive to the Holy Spirit convicting me, when my heart has been exalting myself. I know that I will be deceived, if I am left alone to detect that arrogance. So, I pray that You continue to convict me by the Holy Spirit within me, by the Scripture that I read, and even through the relationships I have. Let me always be teachable, correctable, willing to be humbled, even if it takes humiliation or embarrassment. I don't care how, Lord, just keep me humble. All of this is to glorify You, honor You, and exalt You. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.