The Victory Lap

1 CORINTHIANS 9:19- 10:13

(August 15)

I am not a good runner. In fact, it is safe to say that I really dislike running. I can power walk with the best of them but running is an entirely different story.

Once when I was in middle school, we were having times 50-yard dashes. Oh, how I dreaded those days! I waited my turn, trying to psych myself into a good run. When my "time to shine" came, I stepped up to the line and waited for the whistle. It blew and off I went. "Wow, I am really running fast!" I thought to myself. When I crossed the 50-yard line, I was feeling pretty good about my run. I will never forget my moment of absolute deflation when my P.E. teacher looked at me and said, "Can't you run any faster than that?" OUCH!

Suffice it to say I will never take a victory lap around a track. I will never hear the crowd cheering me as I smile and wave while passing them by. There will be no "Olympic moment" for me. At least not in the running world.

But I will have my moment, my victory lap, in heaven. And so will you. We get that precious lap by running the race of life, being disciplined in our obedience and training of the things of God. Every step we take is purposeful, intent on glorifying him. We train well so that we don't get disqualified.

Paul reminds us of all those who were disqualified in the past. The Israelites, who were guided by a cloud that moved ahead of them, even guiding them through the sea on dry ground. They were all baptized, at the same spiritual food and drank the same spiritual water.

Despite all this, their disqualification was brought on by their actions. They worshipped idols in pagan celebrations, practiced sexual immorality, tested Christ, grumbled and complained. Because of all of this, they were pulled from the race, with no victory lap coming their way.

Paul warns us not to think we are strong enough, or capable enough on our own. We are to never think we are stronger than the temptations that come our way, because we are no different than those of long ago.

It is to God we must cling if we want to win the race. He is a faithful God that will help us stand strong in our times of weakness and temptation. He will be our cheering section in this race of life. Through him, and only through him, do we get our victory lap.

Rebuild Those Walls: The Glow Worm

One Year Bible (Aug. 15)

Nehemiah: 9:22-10:39

“The GLOW WORM”

“Shine little glow-worm, glimmer, glimmer. Hey, there don’t get dimmer, dimmer.” (The Glow Worm, Johnny Mercer)

The Mills Brothers and Muppet Show both featured this interesting little song. Do you remember singing it with the “littles” in your life? Have you ever asked, “Why are we singing about worms glowing”?

Who was bored enough to write and sing about Inchworms?

As we have gone through the book of Ezra and Nehemiah it sure has seemed that they just “INCHED” along. Build. Wait. Repeat.

I don't know about you, but I find it very difficult to “GLIMMER GLIMMER” when I don’t feel “SLIMMER SLIMMER” or things are getting “DIMMER DIMMER”.

And yet, we see that Ezra and Nehemiah were not just calling the people to rebuild the Temple and the Walls… They were there to REBUILD their FAITH!

To do this, they need to GROW and GLOW. (GLIMMER GLIMMER). How did this happen?

We are going to use a little acrostic to help us remember “GLOW”.

God. “All the people assembled with a unified purpose…So, Ezra the priest brought the Book of the Law before the assembly.” ( 8:1-2)

After Exile there were people who did not know THE WORD of God at all! Their children also did not know anything about walking in the ways of the Lord. The “Book of the Law” had been in a foreign language as they grew up in Babylon. Not only that, they had no one to explain it to them. Ezra was gifted as a scribe and teacher in the laws of Moses and so he taught the people (men, women, and children). Many heard the Word of God for the first time.

Listen. Ezra read the Word of God to the people, “from early daybreak until noon”. (8:3)

First, that’s six hours for anyone that is counting.

Secondly, notice that they had made a high wooden platform for him to stand on which showed great reverence to ELEVATE the Word of God.

Thirdly, “When they saw him OPEN THE BOOK” they ALL ROSE TO THEIR FEET.” (8:5)

Ever complain when the sermon goes a little long and you are late to your favorite restaurant? Hmmm… Remember the days of hard pews which are now replaced by comfy chairs?

How long is a movie at the theatre in those leather recliners or the time spent when you “binge-watch” your favorite series on Netflix? It is about Perspective…

These people were HUNGRY for the word of God over the BUFFET. They ELEVATED the Word of God and stood in GREAT RESPECT…

Obedience. “Then Ezra praised the LORD, the great God, and ALL the people chanted, “Amen! Amen! As they lifted their hands. Then they bowed down and worshiped the LORD with their faces to the ground.” (8:6)

The word, “Amen” means “So Be It”. These people had signed a physical covenant. They bowed down, worshiped, lifted their hands, and verbally agreed to follow the Laws of God.

Now, I must admit that the last time I have seen EVERYONE stand with physical hands raised was at the ballgame and they were doing “The Wave”.

I live in the fanbase of the San Diego Padres. (They have a great stadium, by the way! Just sayin’.) Do you by any chance know what the word, Padres, means? The word “padre” means “father” in Spanish and is well-known in all of the CA Missions. This term was used for the priests who represented the father and out of respect for their FATHER.

So, let me just ask a little question here. It is considered supportive and being “a fan” to stand and cheer and wave for your baseball team, but why is everyone hesitant to stand, kneel, and lift their hands to say “AMEN” for their “PADRE”? Yet, we see over and over that the OT worshipers danced, sang, raised their hands, and created a storm of worship in praise to God.

Wisdom. “Don’t be dejected and sad for the joy of the LORD is your strength.” (8:10)

WISDOM is applied UNDERSTANDING. Why were they to stop grieving and start rejoicing?

Perhaps, we need to remember that WHAT we focus on governs HOW WE FEEL.

The reason why we stay in grief, anger, discouragement, and other negative emotions for a long time is that we are focused on the WRONG THINGS. This world is NOT our home…

They were reminded, as our we, that “The joy of the LORD is our strength.” (Neh. 8:10)

So, “Shine little glow-worm… glimmer, glimmer”!

The Price is Right

1 CORINTHIANS 9: 1-18

(August 14)

I used to love to watch the television game show "The Price is Right". The first thrill would be to be sitting in the audience and hear your name called, followed by "Come on down!" What an exciting moment!

The game is simple. You just have to know the price of every single item presented to you. (Or get as close as you can to the price.) And if you're very, very lucky, you just might hear these words at the end of the round, "A new car!!!"

I have recreated that game and hosted it numerous times at retreats and other functions. It is actually amazing how some people can guess the price of something. Especially when you go to a unique store and find unique items. Very fun, indeed.

In Paul's message today, he is challenging the Corinthians about the price of his teaching of the Good News.

Paul received a bit of support from patrons like Lydia, but he mostly seemed to prefer to support himself. (If you remember, he was a tentmaker.)

The Corinthians had observed other teachers accepting payment for their services. When Paul would not, it caused them to question the authenticity of his apostleship. His price wasn't right for his service. I mean, who does all that for nothing, right?

Paul defends the right of the ministry to receive wages for their services. He firmly believes that those who preach and teach deserve to be compensated for their work. He gives some examples to help them clearly see his message:

"What soldier has to pay his own expenses? What farmer plants a vineyard and doesn't have the right to eat some of its fruit? What shepherd cares for a flock of sheep and isn't allowed to drink some of the milk?" (verse 7)

Paul is telling them that he has the right to be supported by them because of the work he is doing. And so do the other teachers. The difference is that Paul CHOOSES not to take that support. He didn't want to be accused of benefitting financially from his teachings. "Free of charge" meant "free from all men", making him able to preach ONLY be obedience to Christ, not by monetary gain.

According to Paul, the only payment he needed was the opportunity to preach the Good News without charging anyone. When Paul heard Jesus say, "Come on Down!" he knew what price would be right.

Rebuild Those Walls: A Great Treasure

One Year Bible (Aug. 14)

Nehemiah: 7:73b-9:21

REBUILD THOSE WALLS: A GREAT TREASURE

As I read today’s passage, I heard a praise song arising in my spirit. Sometimes I just hear a part of a song and it goes on replay you could say… Here are the words that are playing in my soul.

“This is what living looks like. This is what freedom feels like. This is what Heaven sounds like. We praise You. We praise You.” (We Praise You, Brandon Lake)

When you join in a worship service or Bible study with fellow believers what does it “look like”, “sound like”, and “feel like”?

Have you ever been in a Bible study where there are long discussions on politics with complaints, and opinions but short discussions on God’s Word?

Do people know what we “Stand For” or merely hear what we “Complain Against”?

Our OT studies have reminded me how much God is sovereign over ALL the affairs of man. He moved evil kingdoms to conquer HIS own chosen people because they forgot to LOOK and ACT like Chosen people!

In the next book, we see him using an outside King to return his own people to their land. They give permission, help, and even pay for their REBUILDING! This is UNHEARD of and unimaginable… Yet, it was FORETOLD and it came true!

In our study, we have learned the way for a nation to be restored during our time in Chronicles, “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14)

I see this very passage being lived out in our studies of Ezra and Nehemiah.

These people were captured. Their beautiful Temple was destroyed and everything was taken and decimated. They had lived in captivity in Babylon and lost their sense of identity, belonging, worship, and homeland. Everything had been destroyed!

What do you hear in their conversations and the direction of their leadership?

Has Ezra and Nehemiah been “bad-mouthing” the leadership?

Have the people been “cursing” Babylon now that they are released and able to speak freely?

Are they stuck in their anger and pain and posting daily on Twitter, Facebook, and other social media?

You can check people’s TIk TOK to see what makes them “TICK”, you know…

Look at the key verse for today, “Don’t be dejected and sad, for the JOY of the LORD is your strength!” (Nehemiah 8:10)

Ezra and Nehemiah have been quite the Dynamic Duo. We see that not only have they been working to Rebuild the Tempe, the Walls, but they are working now to REBUILD the people’s LIVES.

Do these people see themselves as Victims or Victorious?

Are they stuck in their past as CAPTIVES or living in their FREEDOM?

Nehemiah 8 contains one of the most precise descriptions in the Bible to correctly teach us how to handle scripture. I invite you to look again at this chapter through “Examining Eyes” and ask yourself some questions. Feel free to make notes in the margins of your Bible and grab out your highlighter. Tomorrow we are going to examine the process used in this chapter.

What scriptures speak of the process or steps involved for the people to learn, love, and live The Word of God? How are they being encouraged to go from Captives to Committed?

In what way are they being encouraged to leave “REPEATING PAST PROBLEMS” to “REJOICING in PRESENT PROVISION”?

When these people of EXILE came home they literally had nothing and faced UNSURMOUNTABLE odds! What did Ezra and Nehemiah give them? They did not give them riches, ease, or a trouble-free life. What they did give them, however, changed EVERYTHING.

What does your “living” look like? Can people see true freedom in your life and faith? Can they see a glimpse of heaven in your eyes? I would love to see your comments, questions, and thoughts about these questions in the comments section.

When you discover the WORD of GOD it is Life-Changing, Mind-Blowing, and Attitude-Altering…

Discovering the WORD of GOD is “THE GREATEST TREASURE!

“I rejoice in YOUR WORD like one who discovers a GREAT TREASURE.” (Psalm 119:162)

“Oh gracious Father, may the world around us see that our greatest treasure is YOU! AMEN”

Should We or Shouldn’t We?

1 CORINTHIANS 8: 1-13

(August 13)

My husband loves a good, barbequed steak. In fact, I think he would eat one every day if he could. I, on the other hand, could care less if I ever have one. In fact, I am not that big of a meat eater at all.

I am the person who goes to Cracker Barrell and bypasses the country fried steak and chooses the vegetable plate. Crazy ... I know! My hubby thinks I have totally lost my mind!

The great thing about it is this ... we have the choice. I can have turkey or chicken if I choose. My husband can eat his steak freely, with no condemnation. Or maybe we indulge on some pork chops or ribs slathered in barbeque sauce. Whichever way we choose, the choice is ours.

The question Paul addresses today is that of whether or not it is acceptable to eat meat, especially meat that has been offered to idols. What to do ... what to do???

How did they get access to this meat in the first place? Typically, when there were large religious celebrations or other large events, thousands of animals would be sacrificed as an offering. A good part of this meat would be offered to the butcher shops to be sold to the public.

Because of this, the Christians were constantly exposed to the possibility of buying this meat that had been forbidden by Jewish law. (Numbers 25:2), and also banned by the apostles in their decree from Jerusalem (Acts 15:20). Paul listens to neither of these but bases his instructions to the Corinthians on his own knowledge and wisdom.

Yes, this meat has been offered to idols, but they are only idols, not God. There is only one God. And while we know this, unfortunately not everyone else does. Some people see idols as being real. In this way, they think that eating the food offered to an idol is worship of that idol. It all sounds so silly to me.

The truth is that we are not worshipping God by any food that we eat. We either choose to eat it or we don't. There is nothing gained or lost (except maybe weight ... wink! wink!) by eating the meat.

At the same time, Paul advises them to be careful in their actions that they don't cause someone weaker to stumble. People who are young in their faith look to those who are more mature as examples, and we want to make sure we are being a good example and leading them toward growth in their faith, not causing them to backslide.

All this talk over MEAT??? While it sounds crazy, it must have been a big issue for Paul to take the time to devote a good chunk of his letter to addressing the subject.

Should We or Shouldn't We? The answer is up to you!

May be an image of food and text that says 'Should We or Shouldn't We? Paul answers the question about eating meat Carnivore'

Rebuild Those Walls: Blue Eyes, Blue Jeans

One Year Bible (Aug. 13)

Nehemiah: 5:14-7:73a Rebuild Those Walls

Blue Eyes Blue Jeans

I remember in my college softball days a chant that you would often hear while in the dugout.

“We want a pitcher, not a belly itcher!”

I am seriously wondering about the person that came up with this slogan. Also, I have watched baseball and am not really into all the itching in various places that goes on while the cameras are rolling. Tacky, definitely tacky!

However, I think the message behind the somewhat crude saying is that “There needs to be action taken on the mound to move the game along.”

Yesterday we learned about three tactics to STOP the movement of the Kingdom of God. There is the BELITTLER, the BELLYACHER, and the BUSHWHACKER.

The goal of the BELITTLER, BELLYACHER, and BUSHWHACKER is to “SWOOP DOWN” and END the important WORK of God’s KINGDOM!

What does the enemy really look like? Sadly, he looks just like us.

“THE BUSHWHACKER” comes to attack someone by SURPRISE from a HIDDEN PLACE.

By definition, it is one who “beats the bushes” to cause harm. They are STEALTH and INCOGNITO. They just kind of “BLEND IN”...

There is an 80’s song that I will never forget because the message to it is so INSIGHTFUL.

The song is called, “Somebody’s Knockin’” by Terri Gibbs. Seriously, google it and give it a listen, because the enemy of God has taken the time “To Google” you. He watches for your open doors and weak spots to tempt you.

“Somebody’s knockin’ Should I let him in? Lord, it’s the devil. Would you look at him? I’ve heard about him, but I never dreamed, he’d have blue eyes and blue jeans.”

The song goes on to say, “He must have tapped my telephone lines”. You see the enemy of God does not have the power that God has to know your thoughts and heart, but he certainly can listen to your actions, watch your weaknesses, and see your sinful patterns.

Like “THE BUSHWHACKER”, the enemy will SURPRISE you from the HIDDEN PLACES to interrupt the building of a wall of protection in your life, your family’s life, and in the CHURCH.

You can observe these very same tactics wherever the kingdom of God is being built for God’s Glory. How does this pertain to you and me today you may wonder.

Today’s lesson is about the people’s response to their Antagonists.

There is a FOURTH TACTIC seen in the life of the “BESEECHERS”.

Look at Nehemiah’s THREE-PRONGED APPROACH to ATTACKS on the building…

1. PRAY: “Then I prayed, ‘Hear us, our God, for we are being mocked. May their scoffing fall back on their own heads, and may they themselves become captives in a foreign land.” (4:4)

2. PROCEED: “I am engaged in great work, so I can’t come. Why should I stop working and meet with you?” (Nehemiah 6:3)

3. PREPARE: “We worked early and late, from sunrise to sunset. And half the men were always on guard.” (4:21)

Notice that they didn’t just pray and then sit. They weren’t “belly-itchers”. They pitched the ball to win the game! They proceeded with the work given to them while preparing for future attacks. Nehemiah instructed them to stay dressed and armed for battle at all times. They were watching and ready. He also became aware of an internal problem to address. Many of the people were being “squeezed” financially by having to pay interest on borrowed money from their relatives.

Nehemiah called them to “account” for their actions and all the people agreed and said “Amen”! He dealt with threats from “Without” and from “Within” and the people joined him.

When you see the BELITTLER, BELLYACHER, and BUSHWHACKER used to destroy the building of God’s Kingdom today, what is your response?

Many people today listen with “ears of the flesh”. They regard friendship, familiarity, and fellowship over “calling someone into account” as Nehemiah did.

Are we part of the problem or part of the solution? Somebody’s knockin'… Will you let him in?

Pray, Proceed, and Prepare to rebuild those walls… Watch out for...Blue Eyes and Blue Jeans!

Husbands & Wives

1 CORINTHIANS 7:25-40

(August 12)

Paul continues his quests to answer the questions of the Corinthians and give them the basic principles by which to base their lives. In today's reading, the topic is marriage and the responsibilities of both husband and wife.

Paul knew that married couples would have difficulties. It would be a challenge to uphold the covenant of marriage with all the sin taking place around them. This is true today as well. There are so many opportunities for men and women to stray from their marriage, breaking the covenant they made on their wedding day. Add to that the ease in which one can get a divorce these days, and it's no wonder the divorce rate is so high.

While single men could be free to enjoy doing the Lord's work and concentrate on pleasing him, Paul noted that a married man had to think about the responsibilities he had to his wife and try to please her. His thoughts would be divided between his duty to God and his duty to his wife.

For wives, the same held true. Single women could devote their lives to living for Christ, but those who were married had to devote time and effort to their wifely duties.

For this reason, Paul urges singleness as the best option for as long as possible. That way, the service is all to God. But we all know that mankind is sinful, so he also stressed that if you thought you were going to commit sexual sin in your singleness, you should go ahead and marry. If you live a life for God, you will still do well. The single person might do better, but only because he is not sharing his service and devotion with anything but God.

Paul also noted that once married, a wife was bound to her husband for as long as he lived. Only upon his death would she be free to remarry. Even then, she should be cautious that she is marrying a man who loves and serves the Lord. He wraps that up by also saying it is his opinion that staying single would be her best option.

I have known many widows who have found love again and remarried. They have gone on to have beautiful "second chances" that have brought them much happiness. I think the key to that happiness is found in mutual interests, desires, hopes, and dreams. And to me, the key to that is the desire to love and serve the Lord with all the gifts and opportunities he gives you.

That is my take on the subject. What is yours?

Rebuild Those Walls (Sunrise, Sunset)

One Year Bible (Aug. 12)

Nehemiah: 3:15-5:13 Rebuild Those Walls (Part 2)

Sunrise Sunset

“Sunrise, sunset, sunrise, sunset. Swiftly fly the years. One season following another. Laden with happiness and tears.”

(Sunrise, Sunset from Fiddler on the Roof).

From Sunrise to Sunset there will be as much drama in the rebuilding of the walls as any staged musical could portray…

At the Sunrise of this story, we read about the walls that were there to protect the city from its enemies. There were ten gates mentioned in this passage and also the Gate of Ephraim and the Prison Gate mentioned elsewhere. So, there were TWELVE gates altogether, just as we are told there will be TWELVE gates in the New Jerusalem (Rev. 21:12)

This is a reminder of the original TWELVE TRIBES of Israel. Numbers convey important symbolic connections for us in God’s Realm. It is interesting that God keeps a careful record of all who labor for him…

The priests led the work on the walls and men and women, artisans, and laborers, princes, and commoners, all labored side by side. Nehemiah was not intimidated by those that “came against them” and promised success. The people were united in purpose and in heart as they worked from Sunrise to Sunset to accomplish the purposes of God.

Remember the words of Ezra? “Get up… Be Strong and TAKE ACTION.” (Ezra 10:4)

The people had followed these very words. They were UP. They were on “HIGH ALERT against the enemy from Sunrise to Sunset and they were TAKING ACTION! They were THE BUILDERS.

There is NEVER a GREAT ENDEAVOR without GREAT ADVERSITY!

We should take note from today’s lesson that the enemy will “DO HIS DARNDEST!”

But…When “Sanballat The Sandbagger” and “Tobiah the Troublemaker” heard of my arrival, they were very displeased that someone had come to help the people of Israel.”

Why? The enemy doesn’t care if you just “do nothing”. He cares if you HELP God’s building of the Kingdom!

Yesterday we first met “Sanballat the Sandbagger” and “Tobiah the Troublemaker”. Today there is another foe to add to our list of alliterations…” Geshem the Grinding”. He would just get on your last nerve like chalk on the board or meat in a grinder.

This ungodly trio is known as Antagonists, and today we will look at some of their tactics. There are THREE MEN representing THREE TACTICS:

THE BELITTLERS: “Sanballat the Sandbagger” was VERY ANGRY when he learned that we were rebuilding the wall. He flew into a RAGE and MOCKED the Jews, SAYING IN FRONT of his friends and the Samarian army officers, ‘What does this bunch of poor, feeble Jews think they’re doing? Do they think they can build the wall in a single day by just offering a few sacrifices? Do they actually think they can make something of stones from a rubbish heap--and charred ones at that?” (4:1)

Can you hear the sneer in the voice here? “This poor, feeble Jews”, “Do they actually”... For people that think it can’t be done, they are getting pretty aggressive in the words!

Tobiah the Troublemaker”, who was standing beside him, remarked, “That stone wall would collapse if even a fox walked along the top of it!” These three are the ENEMIES who have come into their midst to cause DISSENSION and DISUNITY and are DISGUISED. They are definitely pulling out the VERBAL ARTILLERY!

THE BELLYACHERS: Then the people of Judah began to complain, “The workers are getting tired, and there is so much rubble to be moved. We will ever be able to build the wall by ourselves.”

What does the word, “Bellyacher” mean? Some synonyms are crybaby, whiner, moaner, wimp, grumbler, and complainer. You get the idea… “Oh, this won’t work. We’ve tried it before!” “The music was too loud”, “the sermon too long”, “someone in the church had a hat on”... and on and on.

It is not about the Kingdom’s work. Rather it is a self-focus on OUR COMFORT rather than OUR CALLING.

The BUSHWHACKERS: “Before they know what’s happening, we will SWOOP DOWN on them and KILL them and END their WORK.” (4:12) “Before they know what’s happening, we will SWOOP DOWN on them and KILL them and END their WORK.” (4:12) And now, we know their END GAME!

So, what is a “BUSHWHACKER? Well, there is a drink called that, but I don’t drink. So, that’s not it. This term refers to a type of guerrilla warfare that is outside of the official chain of command. They don’t bear allegiance to any team. They serve THEMSELVES!

The goal of the BELITTLER, the BELLYACHER, and the BUSHWHACKER is to “SWOOP DOWN” and END the important WORK of God’s KINGDOM!

From Sunrise to Sunset there is kingdom work to accomplish.

The enemy is coming after those that serve; are we on guard, prepared, and armed for battle?

“We worked early and late, from sunrise to sunset. And half the men were always on guard.” (4:21)

Questions and Answers

1 CORINTHIANS 7: 1-24

(August 11)

Questions ... so many questions! Have you ever been in a situation where you didn't know what you should do, so you had to ask question after question?

I was recently appointed to a board of directors of a civic organization. As their new secretary, I had big shoes to fill. There were so many things to get accustomed to doing, including website maintenance, emails, event announcements, and keeping of other pertinent information.

For the first few days, as I was trying to get my bearings, I felt embarrassed because I had to keep asking question after question of the outgoing secretary. I was sure she would think I had no brains at all!

The truth was it was a lot to absorb at once. Added to that is the fact that I am a perfectionist, so everything had to be just right. It was a little bit stressful for me, and her too, I imagine.

But my questions got answered, I got familiar with what is expected of me, and now I am a lot more settled into my role. The reason for that is because when I asked, she gave me the proper information I needed to do the right thing.

That is what Paul is trying to do. The believers of Corinth have a lot of questions...

Should we abstain from sex in our marriage because it has been said that sex is perverted and immoral?

If my spouse is not a believer, should I divorce him (or her)?

If I am a widow or not married, should I marry or stay single?

If I am a believer but my spouse is not, and they decide to leave, what should I do?

Paul takes their questions to heart and offers his wisdom. Because of all the sexual immorality going on all around them, they needed special, specific instructions to avoid being caught up in the temptations of their society.

Paul instructed that abstinence is not proper for marriage, unless mutually agreed upon.

He also noted that those who are widows or not married should remain that way, as he was. In that way, there would be less distraction from the things of God. But if desire was an issue for them, then they would be better off to marry than to commit sexual sin.

Believers should not leave their spouses, according to Paul. This situation was an excellent opportunity for the believing spouse to bring holiness into the marriage and be the example of Christ in the home.

However, if the unbelieving spouse should decide to leave, let them go and they would no longer be bound to each other.

Paul sums it up in this way, "Each of you should continue to live in whatever situation the Lord has placed you and remain as you were when God first called you." (Verse 17)

No matter how bound we may feel when called by the Lord, we can rest assured that we are FREE in him, being a slave only to Christ. The immorality and sin of this world should not enslave us. We should live as God has called us to live.

Those are some pretty definite instructions for living a moral life. They are often not followed in today's culture. We can look around and see many examples of disobedience.

We all have questions. God has all of the answers. But we still have to listen and obey.

Rebuild Those Walls (How Can I Help?)

One Year Bible (Aug. 11)

Nehemiah: 1:1-3:14

Rebuild Those Walls (How Can I Help?)

There is a medical TV series that features an entirely new kind of medical director. This guy seems to break all the bureaucratic rules to help the system and his patients. In fact, he goes out of his way to help even those that are not his patients and have no way to pay. Although he is the director of one of the oldest public hospitals in the country he brings a new refreshing demeanor and style. He doesn’t go by any fancy title either. Everyone in the hospital just calls him, Max. When faced with any crisis his very first words are, “How can I help?”

How refreshing is that coming out of the mouth of someone who is very important yet chooses to serve in humility?

Today’s message features the memoirs of Nehemiah who is serving in the Persian royal court as the personal cup-bearer to King Artaxerxes. Does this mean that Nehemiah does all the Starbucks runs for the King? Ummm, I doubt that! Although, if there was such a place during that time, Nehemiah would have taste-tested the drink before the king could touch it! A cup-bearer was historically an officer of high rank in the royal courts whose duty it was to pour the drinks at the royal table. But, it was much more than that. He was kind of like the Secret Service with floaty drinks. He must be regarded as thoroughly trustworthy to hold this position.

One day Nehemiah was very distraught while serving the king his wine. The king had never observed Nehemiah looking so sad before and showed genuine concern for him.

Here is what the King said to his cup-bearer, “Why are you looking so sad? You don’t look sick to me. You must be deeply troubled.” (Nehemiah 2:2)

Nehemiah responded to the King’s concern, “Long live the king! How can I not be sad? For the city where my ancestors are buried is in ruins, and the gates have been destroyed by fire.” (2:3)

Here it comes. Wait for it… “Well, how can I help you?” (2:4)

Can you fathom the king stopping to ask a question like this?

Wow! This is better than any television moment…

Listen to Nehemiah’s bold response, “With a prayer to the God of heaven, I replied, ‘If it pleases the king, and if you are pleased with me, your servant, send me to Judah to rebuild the city where my ancestors are buried.” (2:5)

King A. asks how long he will be gone and when he will return. But then, how does he respond to Nehemiah’s request?

He does FAR MORE than Nehemiah ever asked for!! He sent a letter with him for safe passage, army officers, and horsemen to protect him.

Why would the king do all of this for Nehemiah and for the exiled remnant?

“And the king granted these requests because the gracious hand of God was on me.” (2:8)

Can you fathom that God had caused the king of the land to provide all the help needed?

Sometimes God provides for us as well, but then at the first sign of trouble, we start doubting.

We might want to take close notice of what happened next, “But…When “Sanballat The Sandbagger” and “Tobiah the Troublemaker” heard of my arrival, they were very displeased that someone had come to help the people of Israel.” (2:10)

Did you get that part? They were upset that someone came “TO HELP”. It wasn’t really about Nebuchadnezzar at all. It was about the battle against the Temple and the establishment of the exile as God’s people. Notice, how it always starts with the little word, “BUT”.

Let’s stop and think about how this applies to us today. I have never seen God’s church ever move ahead to rebuild in the direction that it should go without a “Sandbagger” and a “Troublemaker” showing up. NEVER! You can count on it!

They will provide a million little reasons of all shapes, sizes, and varieties but we need to ask ourselves, “What is the real reason?” These Antagonists were upset that someone came “TO HELP” the kingdom grow. By definition, they oppose or stand against something.

When you see someone gossiping, slandering, sandbagging, and troublemaking ask yourself one little question… “Are those people there to tear down or REBUILD THE WALL?”

In everyday life, we meet people every day that are either “Challenging” or “Facing Challenges”. Sometimes they are a combination of both categories.

What do we do with challenging people or people that are facing challenges?

Perhaps, we can learn a lot from the wise king in today’s story and our very first question can be, “How can I help?”

Your Body … His Temple

1 CORINTHIANS 6: 1-20

(AUGUST 10)

Paul covers two important topics in today's reading ... How to handle disputes in a Christ-like manner and how to handle your body in a way that is moral and appropriate.

How often do we let things escalate until legal action has to be taken? Wouldn't the world be a better place if people could solve their disputes on their own instead of suing each other? Shows like "Judge Judy" and "The People's Court" are examples of how our culture decides their arguments.

Why are we wasting our time suing someone for a bad haircut? Or unpaid rent? Or any of the other myriad of small disputes that take place in our world today?

When Christians do this to each other, we set a poor example to the unbelievers. If we could only learn to handle our business with each other or within our church, we would not face the judgement of God over these matters.

Paul lets us know clearly that those who do wrong will not inherit the Kingdom of God. Our behavior in conflict situations is important.

Also important, crucially important, is the way we use our bodies. Paul spoke to this at length because it was a topic the Corinthians needed to hear. The temple of the love-goddess Aphrodite was in Corinth. So it was right in the face very day.

This temple employed more than a thousand prostitutes. They were known as priestesses and part of the worship ritual involved sex. This was acceptable in their culture and quite popular. But Paul is warning the Christians that they are to have no part in it.

There are things in this world that are acceptable and popular. We will encounter them daily. But just because they are acceptable, does not mean they are good for us. Paul states this in verse 12: "You say, 'I am allowed to do anything' - but not everything is good for you."

And that's where the problem comes in. Temptation is all around us in all forms, and it is up to us to make the choice to keep our lives free of those sinful things that can tempt us and threaten our walk with Christ.

Specifically speaking, Paul warns us of the dangers of sexual sin. To continue in this type of lifestyle would keep us from experiencing the blessings of the Kingdom of God on this earth. The body of the believer belongs to the Lord and should be used to bring glory and praise to God.

We sin against our own bodies when we get involved in sexual immorality. This happens physically through diseases, emotionally through distress, and spiritually by missing the fullness of God's blessings.

Paul tells us to RUN!!!! Don't get involved in sexual sin because it affects the body greater than any other sin. Your body belongs to the Lord, and it was bought with a high price. It may be your body... but it is his temple.

A Remnant’s Restitution

One Year Bible (Aug. 10)

Ezra 10:1-44

A Remnant’s Restitution

“Get up… Be Strong and Take Action.” Ezra 10:4

One of the enjoyable things about The One Year Bible is the little verses to color! I love them. How about you? Do you take the time to color, pray, and meditate on how they apply to you?

Did you read carefully the context of today’s verse?

Many Christians seem pretty comfortable just Livin’ in their “Amazing Grace” and resting on their “Blessed Assurance”.

(Trust me when I say that I LOVE both of those hymns.)

There is only one slight problem in our culture today… The words “sin” and “repentance” our OUT and the words “self” and “enlightenment” are IN...!

I love the Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone) version by Chris Tomlin. The added bridge is what today’s passage is really all about, “My chains are gone, I’ve been set free. My God, my Savior has ransomed me…”

The very first verse today captures my attention as Ezra is praying, confessing, and weeping while lying face down on the ground in front of the Temple of God.

Is he crying because of his own sin? Doesn’t he know how much God has done for him?

Why is he so sad? What are the chains that are still on the exiles even though they have been set free from Babylon?

“He spent the night there (in front of the temple) without eating or drinking anything. He was still in mourning because of the unfaithfulness of the returned exiles.” ( Ezra 10:6)

Note, that he is FASTING and MOURNING over the people that he has been called to serve.

Listen to what he says, “WE have been unfaithful to OUR God, for WE have married these pagan women of the land. But in spite of this, there is HOPE for Israel. Let US now make a covenant with OUR God to divorce OUR pagan wives and to send them away with their children. WE will follow the advice given by you and by the others who respect the commands of OUR God”. (Ezra 10:2-3)

Ezra is fasting, mourning, and bearing the burden of the sin of his people. He says, “We” and “Our”. Look at how he first reacts when he hears that the people of God were intermarrying with the foreign people who worship idols.

Ezra tears his clothing pulls out hair from his head and beard, sits in horror, and then fasts. He is UTTERLY in SHOCK! (Ezra 9:3-5)

We live in a day and age where pretty much anything goes, Love and happiness are the guides, and prosperity for all is the compass. But, Ezra knows where this compass will lead them… right back to captivity where they came from.

Why is marrying foreign people who do not worship their same God a “big deal”?

“Many of the people of Israel, and even some of the priests and Levites, have not kept themselves separate from the other peoples living in the land. They have taken up the detestable practices of the Canaanites, Hittites, Perizzites, Jebusites, Ammonites, Moabites, Egyptians, and Amorites. For the men of Israel have married women from these people and have taken them as wives for their sons. So, the holy race has become polluted by these mixed marriages. Worse yet, the leaders and officials have led the way in this outrage.”

(Ezra 9:1-2)

Why is Ezra in shock?

The people of the remnant just spent 70 years in captivity for their worship of idols and now they have come back to embrace the very same things that took them there.

Ezra had just spoken over them the words, “You and these treasures have been set apart as holy to the LORD.” (8:28)

They were to be “Set Apart” for God, but they were not SEPARATE from those doing DETESTABLE practices.

Here is what Ezra says to the people, “We have been given A BRIEF MOMENT OF GRACE, for the LORD our God has allowed a few of us to survive as a remnant.” (Ezra 9:8)

He then begins to intercede for the people, “And now, O our God, what can we say after all of this/ For once again we have abandoned your commands!” (Ezra 9:10) He acknowledges to God that none of them can stand in their guilt.

So, let’s look back at our theme verse today in context. What does it mean for the exiled to be strong and take action?

“So, now confess your sin to the Lord.. and do what he commands. Separate yourselves from the people of the land and from these pagan women.” (10:11)

A Remnant’s Restitution requires Repentance and Redirection. They need to make things RIGHT…

“Get up… Be Strong and Take Action.” (Ezra 10:4)

Breadmaking 101

1 CORINTHIANS 5: 1-13

(AUGUST 9)

I love homemade bread, fresh from the oven. The smell is so enticing and the taste... oh my mouth is watering!

My husband makes bread for us from time to time. Sometimes it is regular bread. Other times he tosses in some chocolate or banana. He is actually famous for taking his dough and making the most scrumptious cinnamon rolls you could ever taste.

Regardless of what type he is making, it is crucial that his yeast reacts appropriately. If not, the bread will not come out right. And that is a real BUMMER!

Ever since the very old days, Israelite women would use the sourdough method for making their bread. Each week, they would pull of a small portion of the dough and save it. Throughout the week, it had time to ferment. They would then use that piece to start the batch for the next week. This went on all year until the Feast of Unleavened Bread. At that time, they would get rid of any old pieces around their home and start fresh for the new year.

In this portion of Paul's letter to the Corinthians, he is warning them of the dangers of the sexual immorality that has been reported to him. There is a man amongst the believers who is involved with his father's wife, which was a definite NO-NO!

Paul suggests they "hand him over to Satan". What does this mean? Paul is saying that they should exclude him from all fellowship. He is hopeful that if they do this, this man will draw closer to God and walk away from his sinful behavior.

Paul gives his class in Breadmaking:101 when he mentions "the yeast and the dough". The yeast is the ingredient that makes the bread rise. It only takes a little bit of yeast to make the whole loaf rise. A small amount of yeast affects the entire batch. In the same way, a small amount of sin (sexually immoral or any other kind) can affect the whole church.

The Israelite women disposing of the old leaven is symbolic of the church tossing out believers who persist in their sins.

Paul reminds them that they are free to associate with all people outside the church, but within the church they are limited to those who behave in a holy manner. Those who continue to perpetuate sin do not belong in the community of believers. But he was also quick to say that those who are struggling through their sins, trying to overcome them, should not be excluded.

And that, my friends, is Breadmaking: 101.

May be an image of 1 person, food and text

A Remnant’s Remorse (Part 2)

One Year Bible (Aug. 9)

Ezra 8:21-9:15

A Remnant’s Remorse (Part 2)

Perhaps you have heard the statement, “Good news travels fast.”

Well, Bad News travels even faster!”

Tel-e-graph. Tel-e-phone. Tel-e-scope. Tel-e-photo. Tel-e-friend. Tel-e-Twitter.

Yes, juicy news about one’s private sin travels faster than a “gusher from an oil well”. Everyone wants to “grab a little piece of it”.

The whole premise of a TABLOID is built on this principle, “Encouraging Minds Want to Know”.

The question is, “Do we BUY salacious news, or do we GRIEVE over it?”

Speaking of which, “How’s it going with Will and Harry and the girls?” See what I mean?

Our story today begins with the “Good News”, “We prayed that HE would give us a safe journey and protect us our children, and our goods as we traveled.” (8:21)

Ezra began his journey of leading the REMNANT back home with prayer, but here is the next part, “For I was ashamed to ask the king for soldiers and horsemen to accompany us and protect us from enemies along the way. After all, we had told the king, “Our God’s hand of protection is on all who worship him, but his fierce anger rages against those who abandon him.” (8:22)

Prayer just took a serious twist into COMPLETE TRUST for PROTECTION!

We often like to cover all our bases when we pray. We make a list, enlist help, ask God… perhaps even in that order. Ezra is up against serious enemies and he could ask for help from the king to secure their safety, but he feels that the pagan nation needs to see their complete life and death TRUST in God!

What will give them the strength to do this very risky thing?

“So, we FASTED and EARNESTLY PRAYED that our God would take care of us, and He heard our prayer.” (8:23)

Whenever we pray and fast there is a certain thing that ALWAYS follows…

What do you think that is...Revival? Growth? Blessing?

Do you remember our study of Revivals?

They are AlWAYS preceded by REMORSE. REPENTANCE. And RESTORATION. These steps ALWAYS precede REVIVAL.

This my friends, means that the BAD NEWS is coming next. It has to be REVEALED RELEASED for us to be HEALED.

So, here it comes… God’s people are called to be SET-APART, SEPARATE, and HOLY to worship a HOLY GOD.

But, Ezra finds out that this REMNANT who is to be RETURNED, has NOT fully RETURNED to God’s ways.

“Many of the people of Israel and even some of the priests and Levites have NOT kept themselves SEPARATE from the other people living in the land.” (9:1)

They have intermarried with people who practice “DETESTABLE PRACTICES”.

In God’s creation of marriage, He says that “For this reason, a man shall leave his father and his mother, and be joined to his wife; and they have BECOME ONE FLESH.”

The people who are to be “Set-Apart” for God have “BECOME ONE FLESH” with IDOL WORSHIPPERS. How can this be?

Ezra is “Utterly Shocked” and “Appalled”! He sat in mourning with his clothes torn and fell to his knees and lifted his hands to the LORD and prayed. He cried out in shame for the guilt of his people that they have received mercy but returned disobedience to their God…AGAIN.

Listen to what he says next, ‘But now we have been given a BRIEF MOMENT of GRACE for the LORD has allowed a few of us to survive as a remnant… Our God has BRIGHTENED OUR EYES and GRANTED US SOME RELIEF…” (9:8)

Listen to his prayer of REMORSE for his people, “O LORD God of Israel, you are just. We come before you in our guilt as nothing but an ESCAPED REMNANT, though in such a condition none of us can stand in your presence.” (9:15)

Speaking of Good News traveling fast, and Bad News traveling even FASTER… There is no greater news than the news of TRANSFORMATION!

People will stop, look, watch, and wonder...

The very best sermon ever preached is that of a BROKEN LIFE BEING RESTORED… that my friends is the message of

“A REMNANT’S REMORSE”.

Whose Approval Do You Need?

1 CORINTHIANS 4: 1-21

(August 8, 2022)

Approval is defined by the Oxford Dictionary as the belief that someone or something is good or acceptable.

That is how we all want to be seen, right? As good and acceptable? No wonder we spend so much time seeking the approval of others, doing whatever we need to do to make sure we are accepted by this group or that crowd...

It starts when we are young, seeking validation from our parents, teachers, and friends. As we become a little older, peer pressure can cause us to do things we normally wouldn't do ... all because we want the approval of our friends.

As we mature, that need for approval extends to our adult friendships, our work environment, our social situations, even in our churches.

It seems we spend a good chunk of our lives seeking out approval from others. If our minds thought the Paul's did, we would not be wasting our minutes, hours and days on this foolishness. Instead, we would be focused solely on gaining the approval of God.

Many of the Corinthia believers had been rejecting the teachings and authority of Paul. Paul decides to assert his authority to them, while also reminding them of his status as a "steward" to God (meaning he was the servant God had entrusted to take care of his business).

Paul knew he did not have their approval. He chose to ignore that fact. He had no fear about their judgement of him, just as he held no judgement for others. Paul made it clear that the only judgement he was concerned about was God's.

Not only were the Corinthians judging Paul, but they were also judging each other. Each was using their spiritual gifts to gain their own personal approval from others. It was an "all about me" situation. These believers were filled with arrogance and an over-indulged sense of self-worth that really left no room for valuing the Lord.

And although the humiliated Paul at every turn, he still appealed to them in an effort to unify the church. He showed his special affection for these people by describing his special relationship to them all.

"For even if you had ten thousand others to teach you about Christ, you have only one spiritual father. For I became your father in Christ Jesus when I preached the Good News to you. So, I urge you to imitate me." (Verse 15)

By calling himself their father, what he really meant was that he was the founder of their church. Because of this, he could be trusted to have the church's best interests at heart. And while he may have been speaking a little strictly to them, his words were backed by a motivation of love, much like a father who has to discipline a child.

He was telling them "Be like me." He didn't say this because he was arrogant and sure of himself. In fact, he often was not. He said this because he had a close walk with Christ, filled his heart with the Word, spent much time in prayer, and experienced the presence of Christ in his life at all times. He wanted to be the example to them of how Christians should live their lives. He wanted them to put their focus on living a life that God would approve of, not themselves or others.

To be sure they worked at this, he sent Timothy to life out his example to them. Timothy had been taught by Paul, and now Paul could use him to teach others.

Paul finishes up this part of his letter by reminding them that he is doing his best to return for a visit with them. He really wants to see if they are "all talk" or truly sincere about their beliefs. He reminds them that the Kingdom of God is the true seeking of a life worthy of God's approval, not just a bunch of gibberish coming out of someone's mouth.

Which would THEY choose? To live by their arrogant words or to live in a manner in which God would approve?

Which do you choose? The easy choice is worldly arrogance and big talk. The more difficult, yet far more rewarding, choice is to live a life that follows the example of Paul, glorifying God and demonstrating the love of Jesus. That is the choice that will gain you the only approval you need ... God's.

A Remnant’s Remorse (Part 1)

One Year Bible (Aug.

Ezra 7:1-8:20

A Remnant’s Remorse (Part 1)

“I’m sorry, so sorry”.

How many songs have lyrics like this in them?

Probably, Not Enough.

How many prayers have these words in them?

Probably, Not Enough.

How many lives exemplify these words?

Probably, Not Enough.

It is interesting that every REVIVAL that has ever swept a nation began with prayer, brokenness, and remorse for sin. These were the essential stones for a sure foundation. They invited God’s presence to come and dwell with HIS people.

It was not about seeking “the supernatural”. It was about SEEKING “THE SUPERNATURAL!

It was not enough to “hold a prayer service” but to go beyond where God “HOLDS you in PRAYER and SERVICE.”

We have already studied Revival but now we will look at the principles that must SUSTAIN the purpose of REVIVAL…

Today’s study begins with a transition of leadership for the REMNANT of God.

There is about a fifty-eight-year gap between chapters 6 and 7. We don’t see or understand this when we read it. So, that is helpful to know. The book of Ezra tells of the return of God’s people from their exile in Babylon.

The first Jewish return took place shortly after Cyrus, the Persian conquered Babylon. Some 43,000 Jews returned, intent to build the Jerusalem Temple. This was the FIRST RETURN of the Exiles led by Zerubbabel found in Ezra 1-6. They ran into some opposition from semi-pagan people and it took about 18 years to complete their task of laying the foundation. Then the prophets Haggai and Zechariah became engaged and it was completed in four years.

Ezra chapter 7-10 records the return of The Second Remant with Ezra being a part of leading this group, and so today we are introduced to him. Ezra was of priestly ancestry and was an expert in exposition and application of the LAW.

His qualifications are laid out very clearly for us in 7:9-10, “For the hand of his God was on him. This was because Ezra had determined to STUDY and OBEY the Law of the Lord and to teach those decrees and regulations to the people of Israel.”

Why was the hand of God upon Ezra’s life?

“For Ezra had DEVOTED himself to the STUDY and OBSERVANCE of the Law of the Lord, and to teaching its decrees and laws in Israel’.

Ezra was just the man for the job as you will soon see. He reminded the people of all the important things. It is not enough to just “HEAR”. God wants “OBEDIENCE” and this can not happen when we do not know HIS teachings. God is HOLY and his people must be set-apart and holy before HIM.

In tomorrow’s reading, we will learn how Ezra begins his teachings with The Second Remnant that is returning, “I (Ezra) gave orders for all of us to FAST and HUMBLE OURSELVES BEFORE OUR GOD.”

Tomorrow, we will learn what they prayed for and how God uses this process to bring the people to a place that he can use them to REBUILD.

How often do we begin a new chapter in our lives by just making our own decisions?

I love the words, “For the hand of his God was on him” (7:9)

Can that be said of us today?

Is God’s hand on our family, our private inner world, our priorities, our spending, our decisions, our jobs, our friendships, our attitude, and our fears?

Perhaps Ezra’s reminder to us today is to “FAST and HUMBLE OURSELVES BEFORE OUR GOD.”

“Oh God, we come before you to tell you that we are sorry, so sorry. We grieve for the sins of our land, the selfishness of our hearts, and the self-centeredness of our ways. We bow before you to seek YOUR WAYS, YOUR WORD, and YOUR WILL for our lives. Please, give us YOUR heart. AMEN.”

Expert Builders

1 CORINTHIANS 3:5-23

(August 7)

I live in a new neighborhood. When I moved in last year, the first phase of the housing community was complete. The homes stood like shiny new beacons on the manicured lawns.

Just down a small slope was a massive space of dirt. The roads had already been carved out and paved with asphalt. Slowly over this past year I have watched over 90 homes rise up from that barren lot.

It has been interesting to watch the process. So many different workers participate in the construction of a home. You have the concrete pourers, framers, plumbers, electricians, roofers, those who do the dry wall or lay the stone on the outside, those who install cabinets and appliances, and those who take care of the landscaping. Like I said ... it is a process!

The first and most important step is the foundation. If that isn't solid, nothing else is going to go well. Can you say "Timberrrrrrr?"

The foundations on these homes are solid and thick. Believe me ... they aren't going anywhere! They have been built, each specific part of the process, by experts in that particular field.

Paul is telling us in today's reading that he feels like he has laid a solid foundation, just like an expert builder. He gives no credit to himself for this success. All glory goes to God because everything belongs to God.

And while he may have been the expert foundation layer, there will be others participating in the in the building of this particular "house". Being an expert at what he does, he wants to make sure that those who add to his structure are wise in the ways of God and build it up correctly. Everyone will be judged by their own part in the process. It doesn't matter what materials are used. It only matters how successfully the builder uses his Godly wisdom.

Friends, we are the temple of God. He is our strong foundation. Anyone we allow to lead us has an effect on us. So, we must be careful to find those who will lead us with the wisdom of God, not for boastful and prideful purposes. The wise in the things of God know that it is not about them, it is all about God.

When we seek God wholeheartedly and seek wise counsel in our journey to spiritual maturity, we become the expert builders that God prepares us to be.

A Remnant’s Roadblock

One Year Bible (Aug. 7)

Ezra 4:24-6:22

A Remnant’s Roadblock

There is a “fun hypercasual game” through Google Play called “Roadblocks”. You drive a car and compete with your friends to see who can “Go Further” without hitting a roadblock. BAMN! SPLAT! GAME OVER!!

I thought I would take a little test drive. The screen says, “RESUME. QUITE TO MENU. AND… RAGEQUIT??? That sounds like a day in the parking lot of the mall while trying at Christmas!! People can get really UN-JOLLY when it is time to “STRING THE HOLLY”!

Personally, I have decided that I don’t need to play any game like that. My normal life is often filled with roadblocks and intentionally competing with friends….Hmm. That is no SPORT; it's called SPITE!

Today’s story found in Ezra 4-6 is about a people who truly were preparing to worship and they ran into a huge STANDSTILL that hindered them from rebuilding the Temple again in Jerusalem. And yes, it involved SPITE!

Today’s passage begins with these words, “So, the work on the Temple of God in Jerusalem had STOPPED, and it remained at a STANDSTILL until the second year of the reign of King Darius of Persia”. (Ezra 4:24) Does this make any sense at all?

The prophecy foretold the remnant’s return. King Cyrus had his “heart stirred”. God called and appointed prophets to lead the way. The remnant arrived in the land and are ready to go in every way… And now, the work has STOPPED, and they are at a STANDSTILL!

This reminds me of when the children of Israel were delivered from Egypt and slavery and then they started to cry out because they felt that God had led them out into the desert to die. They started whining and wanted to go back into slavery.

This is one of those kinds of moments. Perhaps, we can all relate to this disappointment. We prayed. There was revival and reawakening and renewal and everyone was all “charged up to rebuild” ...

Remember the game I mentioned earlier called Roadblock? It has two options, RESUME or RAGEQUIT…Have you noticed that roadblocks often come in the form of people?

Today’s passage involves 1) Fake Friendship, 2) Feigned Interest, and 3) Frustrating Others.

FAKE FRIENDSHIP: “Let us HELP you build”. (4:2)

Sounds like a very legit, generous offer, doesn’t it? Zerubbabel was wise to look beyond the opening words of those that “dwelt in their midst”. Remember, “All HELP is not really HELP.”

Feigned Interest, “The enemies of Judah and Benjamin heard that the exiles were rebuilding a Temple to the LORD, the God of Israel. So, they approached Zerubbabel and the other leaders and said, ‘Let us build with you, for WE WORSHIP YOUR GOD JUST AS YOU DO”. (4:1-2)

The adversaries of Judah and Benjamin mentioned in these verses were colonists who intermarried with Jews and their offspring became known as Samaritans.

Their words were only half-true as they worshipped MANY gods in their idolatrous system of religion, and so their offer was refused. The word, “FEIGNED” means not genuine. It is NOT completely true in words or deeds.

Have you ever aligned yourself in business, friendships, or ministry where you really weren’t really “in sync” according to what God was calling YOU to do in your life?

Well, now it is time for RAGEQUIT (as the game calls it). They are pulling out the big guns!

Frustrating the Work: Perhaps, you have heard the saying, “If you can’t BEAT em, JOIN em.” Well, this is a new variation on that approach, “If you can’t JOIN em, BEAT em!”

“Then, with a show of strength; they forced the Jews to STOP building”(4:23)

They tried to stop their work with ACCUSATIONS in a letter sent to Darius! After a diligent search, the decree of Cyrus was found.

Guess what happened to the little car game called ROADBLOCK?

The new sequel to that game is called “BACKFIRE”...They were NOT to hinder THE WORK but were to pay for THE COST of the temple services upon request of the priests. (Take that you, FEIGNING, FRUSTRATING, FRIENDS!)

The people’s eyes were on God and HIS EYES were on HIS PEOPLE.

Don’t you just love how our God turns an “ANNOYING ROADBLOCK” into a “BLESSED BACKFIRE”?

The Problem With Pride

1 CORINTHIANS 2:6 - 3:4

(August 6)

According to the Oxford Dictionary, PRIDE is defined as a feeling of deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one's own achievements, the achievements of those with whom one is closely associated, or from qualities or possessions that are widely admired. WHEW!! That's a lot!

Pride can be a real problem. We can get caught up in thinking we "got it all going on" that we don't see how arrogant we appear, and how little wisdom we really have. Maybe our pride is self-serving, all about us and what we know or have done. Or perhaps our pride in our child is expressed in a way that glorifies them, rather than God.

No matter how the circumstances are, that line of thinking is spiritually immature.

The key to understanding the wisdom of God comes from knowing that no individual can understand that wisdom without the intervention of the Holy Spirit. The Spirit knows and understands the things of God because the Spirit IS God. Makes sense, right?

Paul is writing to the believers of Corinth, who are spiritually immature. This is obvious from the way they quarrel with each other and allow division amongst each other. Their thoughts are worldly, meaning they are controlled by their own desires, not the desires of God.

The spiritually immature (like these people in Corinth) lack the capacity to discern the truth, importance, or beauty of the things of God. They see these things as absurd. Because of this, many saw Paul as absurd. And while he placed value on self-judgement, constructive criticism, and church discipline, he also argued that believers themselves are ultimately accountable to God and only God, not to be judged by others with worldly minds. This is exactly what they were doing to him.

They were so caught up with getting all this wisdom that they followed leaders who weren't wise, leaders who wanted glory for themselves instead of glorifying God. In Paul's opinion, true spirituality does not lead to haughty attitudes, but to a deeper understanding of the power of God.

What about us? Are we operating out of spiritual immaturity, seeking wisdom from everywhere but God? Or are we exercising our mature spirits and seeking Godly wisdom in our lives?

Only by looking to God as our source of wisdom can we overcome the problems caused by pride.

A Remnant’s Restoration

One Year Bible (Aug. 6)

Ezra 3:1-4:23

A Remnant’s Restoration

I recently read a news article talking about a “Deadly Sinkhole” and predicting the danger of more to come in the state of Florida. All I can say after reading this article is that I am not looking at “relocating” to that state anytime soon!

This article told of a man that was in his bedroom in a one-story home. It was about 11 pm at night, and while he was “yawning” a 20-foot-wide-sinkhole “yawned” directly underneath him! His bed, the rest of his bedroom furniture, and the man were “sucked down into the hole”!

I promptly looked up the definition of “Sinkhole” and found that it is a cavity in the ground, especially in limestone bedrock, caused by water erosion. Then, I got out my journal and promptly added the word “SINK-HOLE” to my new improved list of phobias…

As I was reading about the Remnant of Judah building a FOUNDATION for the Temple, I was reminded of the original temple built by Solomon. It appeared in Jerusalem with all of its brilliant, opulent glory. Although the people were warned of the dangers of seeking “False Cisterns” rather than seeking “The Living Water”, they sought the false and embraced it.

Before they knew what happened, they had a gigantic

“Spiritual Sink-hole”!

They had been warned of the gigantic cracks of their “False Spiritual Water System” lurking below all of that beauty, but they had not heeded the warning.

No glory or riches filling the temple can substitute for a solid foundation built on the LIVING WATER! There could be no empty cavities lurking below. This was the lesson of their EXILE.

To come HOME and REBUILD, would mean to COME HOME TO GOD ALONE!

When the builders completed the foundation of the LORD’s Temple, the priests blew the trumpets and joined in worship with the clashing of cymbals. With praise and thanks, they sang this song to the Lord, “He is so good! His faithful love for Israel endures forever!”

“Then ALL the people gave a great shout, praising the LORD because the FOUNDATION of the LORD’s Temple had been laid.” (Ezra 3:11)

The Lord had reached down HIS hand and rescued them from “The SINKHOLE” of their own doing, and had brought them home to rebuild on the “SOLID ROCK” of HIS DOING!

What was the reaction to this new FOUNDATION?

Many of the older priests WEPT ALOUD while others were “SHOUTING OUT LOUD”. (3:12)

This passage of scripture parallels the prophet Haggai’s writings as Haggai 2:3-10 tells us more of the story. Haggai’s prophecy begins with the Lord asking the returning remnant three questions, 1) Who is left among you who saw this temple in its former glory? 2) How do you see it now? 3) Does it not seem to you like nothing in comparison?

Those that were weeping were now very old but remembered Solomon’s temple which was much grander and glorious before its destruction.

The prophet Haggai provides hope despite their distress to the weeping elders. He tells them an astonishing truth that they can not yet begin to fathom or understand, “The LORD of hosts declares that the latter glory of his house will be GREATER THAN THE FORMER, and in this place, I will give PEACE.” (Haggai 2:9)

Like our story about the sinkhole that came without warning in the night, the builders of the Temple are about to encounter just that! On the surface, everything can look grand, but below the surface is another story altogether.

The builders of the Temple got an offer that just seemed “too good to be true”, “The ENEMIES of Judah and Benjamin heard that the exiles were rebuilding a Temple to the LORD, the God of Israel. So, they approached Zerubbabel and the other leaders and said, ‘Let us build with you, for we worship your God just as you do’.” ’.” (4:1-2)

See… I told you this offer was just “too good to be true”. Their ENEMIES want to help them and claim to “worship your God just as you do.” Their reply, “NO, NOT GOING TO DO THAT!”

Then, let’s not forget their “friends”, the local residents. They tried to discourage and frighten the people of Judah to keep them from their work. They also “bribed agents to work against them and to frustrate their plans.” (4:4-5)

This time around, the Temple will not be built on “A Sinkhole of Sin”. It is built on the prophecy of A Remnant’s Restoration through “A GREATER GlORY”… His name will be The Prince of Peace.

“The LORD of hosts declares that the latter glory of his house will be GREATER THAN THE FORMER, and in this place, I will give PEACE.” (Haggai 2:9)

“I will build my life upon your love it is a firm foundation. I will put my trust in YOU alone and I will not be shaken…”

(Build My Life by Pat Barrett/Chris Tomlin)