Rebuilding Nehemiah 1 July 30/31, 2018

Report from Jerusalem

1 The words of Nehemiah the son of Hacaliah.

Now it happened in the month of Chislev, in the twentieth year, as I was in Susa the citadel, ² that Hanani, one of my brothers, came with certain men from Judah. And I asked them concerning the Jews who escaped, who had survived the exile, and concerning Jerusalem. ³ And they said to me, “The remnant there in the province who had survived the exile is in great trouble and shame. The wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates are destroyed by fire.”  (Nehemeiah 1:1-3 ESV) 

Because of their disobedience, God allowed the Babylodians to destroy Jerusalem, the Israelite's holy city.  In fact most of the Jews had been exiled from the Promise Land and only a "remnant" were left in the area.  The first four chapters of the book of Nehemiah detail the rebuilding of Jerusalem's walls. 

Nehemiah's task was not an easy one.  He had to solicit financial support, connect with some important people, and battle opposition to the project.  But with God's assistance, guidance, and protection, the wall was repaired and the project a success.

Are there areas of our lives that need to be rebuilt?  Perhaps a relationship needs to be restored.  Or perhaps the spiritual disciplines are not as strong as they need to be.  Maybe your reputation at work needs to be rebuilt.  The story of Nehemiah and the wall contain some ideas that may be applicable to rebuilding our personal lives.

First- Admit there is a need.  In Neh. 1:3, Nehemiah receives a report that "the wall of Jerusalem is broken down, and its gates are destroyed by fire.”  While a broken relationship or compromised work reputation might not be as easy to recognize as the rubble of a broken wall, most of us have a sense then something in our lives is not right.

Second- This is perhaps the most important of all the steps.  Nehemiah's response to hearing the news is where all resotration begins.  "⁴ As soon as I heard these words I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven."  (Neh. 1:4)      I see a man broken by what he learned.  He didn't simply toss a quick prayer God's way and run off to Barnes and Noble to get a self-help book.  He was as broken as the wall.

Third- He took responsibility for his part in the destruction of the wall.  "Even I and my father's house have sinned. ⁷ We have acted very corruptly against you and have not kept the commandments, the statutes, and the rules that you commanded your servant Moses."  (Neh. 1:6,7)  It is one thing to admit there is a problem.  However it is quite another to admit we are a part of that problem.  If all we do is look for the situation to improve or others to change, our walls are likely to remain broken.  

Fourth- Don't be afraid to let God know your request.  After Nehemiah's repentance and brokenness, he approached God with confidence.  ^"11 O Lord, let your ear be attentive to the prayer of your servant, and to the prayer of your servants who delight to fear your name, and give success to your servant today, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man.”  (Neh. 1:11)  All too often Christians are timid before the Lord.  We can approach the throne in confidence and boldness if done with a clear heart and humble spirit.  Hebrews 4:16 tells the believer, "¹⁶ Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."

After we have recognized the problem, returned to God, and requested of Him, now we are ready to start to repair.  Stay tuned. 

All Stirred Up Ezra 1:1 July 27, 2018

The Proclamation of Cyrus

"1 In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom and also put it in writing:"  (Ezra 1:1 ESV)

When is the last time God has stirred up your spirit about something?  Anything?  Is that something we even want to happen?

In Chapter 7 of the Screwtape Letters, Screwtape tellsWormwood, "Some ages are lukewarm and complacent, and then it is our business to soothe them yet faster asleep."  I wonder if America is becoming (or has become) lukewarm in regards to Christ and his Kingdom.  The stock market is over 25,000.  Our economy continues to grow.  Consumer confidence is up and unemployment is down.  I fear that when bellies are full, cars are new, and jobs are available our passion and desire for God weaken.

Is the church in America becoming the church at Laodicea that John references in Revelation 3:17.    "¹⁷ You say, ‘I am rich; I have acquired wealth and do not need a thing.’ But you do not realize that you are wretched, pitiful, poor, blind and naked."  They have become comfortable.  Prosperous.  Too successful to need God.  God makes no bones about his displeasure with this attitude.

¹⁵ “‘I know your works: you are neither cold nor hot. Would that you were either cold or hot! ¹⁶ So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. (Rev. 3:15,16)

It is time for the Church to pray for the LORD to stir our spirit both as individual as corporately.  Racism is rampant in America.  We have elected officials who are dishonest and immoral.  Pornography and its acceptance are on the rise.*  The list of social woes could continue.

We must remember that the church is made up of individuals.  There will be no spirit stirring of the church body until the members become stirred.  Pray for a stirring of the spirit and see what God has planned.

*More Americans than ever think pornography is morally acceptable

2 Chronicles 1:1 July 26, 2018

Solomon Worships at Gibeon

1 Solomon the son of David established himself in his kingdom, and the Lord his God was with him and made him exceedingly great.  (2 Chron. 1:1 ESV)

As I read today's verse, I wondered about the phrase "and the LORD God was with him."  God is not a physical presence.  He does not ride in the shotgun seat of our car.  We cannot take God out for coffee.  In fact, unlike post-Christ believers, there was not even a spiritual presence available for each individual believer.  When God was "with" a person in the Old Testament, it meant that He caused a person's plans to prosper and provided physical protection and spiritual guidance.

We know that in 1 Kings 1, God presented Solomon with the opportunity to ask for anything Solomon wished.  Solomon reply was not for financial success, professional prowess, or personal gain.  His response showed humility and a God-reliance we would do good to replicate.  "⁹ Give your servant, therefore, an understanding mind to govern your people, that I may discern between good and evil, for who is able to govern this your great people?”  (1 Kings 3:9)  God is pleased with Solomon's request and as a result promises also ^"both riches and honor, so that no other king shall compare with you, all your days." (1Kings 3:13)

What is often overlooked is the next verse.   ^"14 And if you will walk in my ways, keeping my statutes and my commandments, as your father David walked, then I will lengthen your days.”  

God's promise to Solomon did not release him from obedience.  Solomon's bright future was dependent on his future behavior.  Early in the third chapter of 1 Kings, it is recorded that Solomon "loved the LORD, and walk(ed) in the statutes of David his father."  Solomon was not a free-wheeling, fun-loving son of a king who just happened to get lucky with his request and as a result get the keys to the kingdom.

His life was already defined by his faith and worship.  His was not a one-time religious epiphany.  As he was not released from those duties, responsibilities, and expectations as a result of God's promise to him.  

Solomon's continued worship, prayers, and sacrifices were what caused God to be with him. Yes, his now-famous wisdom allowed him to make decisions and deals that brought him success, but that success would have been short-lived had he strayed from his personal relationship with God.  

Any success we have today results from God's presence in our lives and our continued, daily obedience to Him.  While our success may (most likely will not) reach the level of Solomon, we must still depend on God, seek him, and obey him if we are to receive his blessings. 

McDonalds Quiet Time July 23, 2018

Anyone that knows me knows that my eating habits will never be featured in Fitness Magazine.  I prefer chicken nuggets to chickpeas, burgers to broccoli, and soda to spring water.  One of the reasons I find fast food so alluring is the convenience of a drive-thru meal.  No shopping required.  No dishes to wash.  While these eating habits are not recommended by any physician and are likely wreaking havoc with my cholesterol, arteries, and blood pressure, even more destructive is my habit of fast-food quiet time.  

Lately, I have been treating God like the Jack-in-the-Box drive-through speaker.  A side order of "please-help-so-and-so".  Throw in a few "I-am-thankful-fors".  And as the main entre, hmmm, how about a double order of "I-need".  I pull up, pay at the window with a  quick prayer, and am off to face the day.  Much like fast food, my immediate dietary needs have been met, but the calories are empty and even harmful.

My spiritual needs may feel like they have been met with a drive-thru mediation and Bible study.  I get to pat myself on the back and feel good about having had a daily quiet time, but the nutritional value of that time is dismal.  There has been no meaningful God connection, no deep reflection on His word, and certainly no spiritual growth.  Like a healthy diet, quality time with God takes time and preparation.

When I was working, I could always use the job as an excuse for a McDonalds quiet time.  However, I no longer have that excuse.  I can no longer blame the boss for having to cut prayer time short.  My days are mine to schedule.  I need to quit treating God like a clown with a red wig and big red shoes.  Time with Him should be a four-course meal, not a burger in a bag.




  

Leopard's Spots 2 Kings 1:1-4 July 18, 2018

1 After the death of Ahab, Moab rebelled against Israel.

² Now Ahaziah fell through the lattice in his upper chamber in Samaria, and lay sick; so he sent messengers, telling them, “Go, inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron, whether I shall recover from this sickness.” ³ But the angel of the Lord said to Elijah the Tishbite, “Arise, go up to meet the messengers of the king of Samaria, and say to them, ‘Is it because there is no God in Israel that you are going to inquire of Baal-zebub, the god of Ekron? ⁴ Now therefore thus says the Lord, You shall not come down from the bed to which you have gone up, but you shall surely die.’” So Elijah went.  (2 Kings 1:1-4 ESV)

More death and illness.  There is definitely a trend in the first sections of this part of the Old Testament.  Leaders and kings die or are ill.  A successor is ready to take the reigns.  In today's passage once again we find the leader of the Israeilites not doing so well.  

King Ahaziah has fallen and can't get up.  We know this will not go well for him.  Although he is the king of God's chosen people, he is not a man of God.  The last verse of 1 Kings tells us, "He (Ahaziah) served Baal and worshiped him and provoked the Lord, the God of Israel, to anger in every way that his father had done." (1 Kings 1:53 ESV)

As Ahaziah lays injured, he it not going to change his spots.  He continues to call out to false gods.  

Proverbs 22:6 states, "Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it."  I wonder if the inverse is also true.  "Train a child is the way he shouldn't go;  even when he is old he will not depart from it."

  

1 Kings 1:1 July 16, 2018

¹"Now King David was old and advanced in years." (1 Kings 1:1a ESV)

The golden years.  The evening of life.  Later today, I will come face-to-face with the ugly side of this chapter in life.  Today the process of moving my mother into a memory care, assisted living facility begins.  There is nothing golden about dementia.  It can transform the evening of life into a nightmare of living.  Luckily as of right now, mom is still at a level where we can have a conversation, take walks, and enjoy time together.  How long that may last is not a question that can be answered.

 Most of us spend our years with at least one eye on retirement. When we get that golden watch, the sheet cake, and send-off party, we will (fill-in-the-blank).  And while it is true that many plans must wait until retirement because of work requirements, don't be surprised if the plans for complete that bucket list looks different at 60 than they did at 40. 

In the 12th chapter of Luke, Jesus recounts the parable of the rich fool.  The gentleman in question has grand plans for more barns, more grain, more goods.  He plans to "relax, eat, drink, be merry" because of all he had stored up over the years.  Boy, was he disappointed because God had other plans for him.   "God said to him, ‘Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?’" (Luke 12:20 ESV)

We should have prayerfully made, God-led plans not only our days and weeks but the years.  Retirement plans are not sinful.  Investments in a 401k are not disobedience.  But it is important that God reserves the right to make changes to our best-laid plans.  Changes are not only a possibility, but a probability.

It is when the changes arrive that we can either be angry and disobedient, or prayerful and obedient.  Regardless of how whether we choose to embrace or curse a detour in our plans, for most of us, it is inevitable.  

Listen up Oregon 2 Samuel 1:1-16 July 14, 2018

Author's Note:  My hope had been to glean a blog post from the first verse of each of the 66 books of the Bible.  For some of the books, this was possible; however, I quickly realized that in order to do this for every book, I would have to artificially create anything of substance out of just one verse.  I will continue to move through the books of the Bible in order but will expand my source material to several verses if necessary.

The first 16 verses of 2 Samuel, bring up an issue that could be torn from today's newspapers (or internet sites).

In the passage we find David learning of Saul's death at the hands of an Amalekite.  According to the gentleman's account, Saul had been mortally wounded and had ordered the man to "Stand beside me and kill me, for anguish has seized me, and yet my life still lingers." (2 Samuel 1:9 ESV)  The Amalekite did as ordered.

When David learned of Saul's death, he and all the men with him "mourned and wept and fasted until evening".  (2 Sam. 1:12a)  But he then called for the Amalekite.  This does not bode well for the sojourner.  David had him executed because the Amalekite dared "to destroy the Lord's anointed.” (2 Sam. 1:14)

I believe this speaks directly to the issue of assisted suicide/euthanasia.  Each Christian is anointed by God.  Perhaps not to rule a kingdom as did Saul, but we still have an anointing of the Holy Spirit. 

 I struggle with the issue of assisted suicide.  For opponents, one argument is that God will call the person home when it is time.  We are not to play God.  Proponents counter that by arguing that medical science has advanced to the point where many people who would have died of natural causes just a generation ago are being kept alive much longer, often sacrificing quantity of years for quality.  This too can be argued as playing God.

Today's verses are the first time I have read a passage that seems to speak directly to the sinfulness of assisted suicide.  Even though Saul would soon have been dead, by taking his life prematurely, the Amalekite seems to have gone against God's plan for Saul.  He paid for that mistake with his own life.

Currently, there are assisted dying laws for terminally ill adults on the books in Oregon, Montana, Washington, Vermont, Hawaii, California, Colorado and Washington D.C.  As tens of thousands of Baby Boomers reach and surpass their Golden Years, this is a question that will be asked more and more often and, as a result, will have to be answered just as often.  

Ruth 1:1 July 12, 2018

^"1In the days when the judges ruled there was a famine in the land, and a man of Bethlehem in Judah went to sojourn in the country of Moab, he and his wife and his two sons." (Ruth 1:1 ESV)

 

Dash Years Judges 1:1 July 11, 2018

¹"After the death of Joshua, the people of Israel inquired of the Lord, 'Who shall go up first for us against the Canaanites, to fight against them?'"  (Judges 1:1 ESV)

It is interesting that the Book of Joshua begins with the line "After the death of Moses" and the following book, Judges, starts with "After the death of Joshua."

Moses died.  Joshua died.  Samson died.  David died.  Paul died.  Matthew died.  Even Jesus died.  Every person who ever lived was born and has/will die(d).*  Each of our lives is bookended by birth and death.  On many of our headstones, those two dates will be recorded and separated by a short, seemingly insignificant dash.  And while those two dates may be important to a few for a while, it is ultimately how we live the dash that matters.

How have we used our "dash" years?  Was our focus on self or others?  Did we use our "dash" time to further the kingdom of God or for our personal gain?  When that final date of our lives has come, what will be our lasting legacy?

Hebrews 9:27 reminds us, "And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment. . ."  How will our "dash" years be judged? 



*Yeah, I know that A and E may have been the exception to the birth thing and perhaps Elijah was taken to heaven in a chariot of fire before death, but those are discussions for another time.  

Time for Change Joshua 1:1 July 10, 2018

¹ "After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua the son of Nun, Moses' assistant. . ." (Joshua 1:1 ESV)

I am not sure of the deep spiritual truth about today's verse, but on the personal level, it hits close to home.

For the past four years, I was the head dude at Sunshine Elementary.  I knew all the kids.  Conversed with parents.  Planned schedules.  Organized events.  Collaborated with teachers.  On June 30 of this year, all that ended.  July 1 my Joshua came on board.  No fanfare.  No trumpets.  Just a tick of the clock from 11:59 p.m. to 12:00 a.m.  (Fortunately, "after the death" was not part of Sunshine's transition of leadership.)

Life goes on.  No matter how integral a part of an organization a person is or how much value or perceived value a person has a replacement is waiting in the wings.  No one is irreplaceable.

 

Pastor Pillow Deuteronomy 1:1 July 9, 2018

¹ These are the words that Moses spoke to all Israel beyond the Jordan in the wilderness, in the Arabah opposite Suph, between Paran and Tophel, Laban, Hazeroth, and Dizahab.  
(Deuteronomy 1:1 ESV)

This verse signals the last time Moses would address the entire Israelite nation.  For the next 33 chapters Moses reminds the people of their travels, their victories, their failures, their covenant, and concludes with a blessing for the nation.  This took place "in the wilderness" prior to entering Cannaan, the promised land.

Sometimes God will speak directly to His children, other times that message will come through a person.  That is why it is imperative as Christians we do not allow corporate worship to become a victim of today's busyness.  “Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy."  (Ex. 20:8) 

I have no doubt that God can reveal all we need through individual Bible study, prayer, and meditation, but I also believe that the ideas, interpretations of scripture, and interesting anecdotes we can receive from the pulpit are also important pieces to our spiritual growth.

Scripture is replete with stories and examples of God's children, both Jews and Christians, coming together for corporate worship and small group study.  Let's not allow CNN, Highland Springs, Table Rock Lake, and Pastor Pillow to rob us of our time together as a body of believers. 

Remembrances Numbers 1:1 July 6, 2018

"The Lord spoke to Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the tent of meeting, on the first day of the second month, in the second year after they had come out of the land of Egypt, saying,. .." 
(Numbers 1:1 ESV)

If Moses had owned a Timex, I imagine that today's verse would have also included the hour and minute of the LORD's message.  When the LORD spoke to Moses it was a big deal.  First day, second month, second year after Egypt.  The impression made was indelible and worthy of an exalted place in his memory.

How do we treat a personal word from God?  A quick, "Thanks." then on to the rest of our day?  Perhaps we celebrate at that moment, but what about next week?  Has His word made a permanent impression on our lives?

Perhaps if we followed Moses example and recorded the dates and times when we felt a special closeness with God, we would be able to return to those moments when we needed reassurance or guidance.  Maybe when we find ourselves in a spiritual drought, recalling those special times could prime the praise pump in our lives.  

Philosopher George Santayana is credited with these words, "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it."  However, remembering God past faithfulness, deliverance, or guidance might be just what we need for today or tomorrow. 

Who's Calling? Leviticus 1:1 July 5, 2018

^1"The Lord called Moses and spoke to him from the tent of meeting, saying. . ." (Leviticus 1:1 ESV)

Several times a day, my cell phone will ring and more often than not, caller id will alert me to the identity of the caller.  I wonder how I would react if one day the phone showed that it was God giving me a call.  Would I beleive it or just put it down to another in a long line of cell phone scams?

God does call His children on a daily basis.  Of course he doesn't need Verizon or Sprint.  The Holy Spirit takes care of placing God's calls.  How do we react when God calls?  Do we let  them go to voicemail to be listened to later?  Perhaps we are only partially enagaged in the call as we go through the daily grind.

When God calls, we should drop everything and become intent on the message He has for us.  Perhaps it is a call to action or maybe to prayer.  Or maybe God is calling to remind us He loves us and is always watching over us.  Whatever the purpose of the call our rapt attention must be followed by strict obedience to whatever is required.  

For the next seven chapters in Leviticus, God outlines a series of processes and procedures the Israelites were to follow.  After pages and pages of instruction, God hangs up.  The next verse is telling, ^"And Moses did as the Lord commanded him. . ."  (Lev. 8:4)  Moses did as he was commanded.  No "let me call you back" or "give me some time to think about it".  Moses obeyed.  The message was so clear from God that Moses did not doubt its authenticity. And his faith in God was so great that disobedience or hesitation was not an option.

When we get a clear message from God, Moses provides an example of what should be our response.  "Yes, Lord.  Right away, Lord."  Anything else is disobedience.

All About Family Exodus 1:1 July 4, 2018

^"These are the names of the sons of Israel who came to Egypt with Jacob, each with his household. . ."  (Exodus 1:1 ESV)

Watermelon has been cut.  Burger patties shaped.  Beverages iced.  By the day's end untold bags of charcoal briquets will have been reduced to ash as people come together to celebrate our nation's indepenence.  Many of those gatherings will consist of families both large and small.

The first social structure created was the family.  Adam and Eve were a family.  Soon Cain and Able (for a short while) were added to that structure.  Since the Garden of Eden, the family has played an important part in the history of the Jewish people.

Exodus starts off listing all of Jacob brothers and his descendens.  The first nine chapters of 
1 Chronicles is devoted almost entirely to family trees and who begat whom.  Scripture traces Jesus' lineage all the way back to David.  The role that family and the family tree played in Jewish history cannot be overstated.

It seems as if the importance of family is becoming less and less in America.  I have no scientific or statistical basis for this claim.  But after spending 32 years in public education, I have seen the definition of family broaden.  "Dad" might be the man mom has dated for the past six months. A "cousin" is a peer who is sharing a room with that child because mom is out of work.  Step families become more convoluted and harder to sort out.  

That is a loss.  I come from a very small family.  My father was an only child.  My mom had one childless sister.  I have one brother.  He has two children, but I never put any effort into being an engaged uncle.  When they were young I was too caught up in my life to spend time being a part of theirs.

As I grow older I am starting to see, I have lost out.  While we do gather for holidays, the interactions are surface.  Work and weather are the main topics of conversation.  Is it too late to reengage?  Most likely. 

While there are times family can drive you crazy, they are still family. Cherish those relationships.  Nurture those bonds.  Take it from someone who has squandered the opportunity, keep your family ties strong.  Sure there will be times it will be inconvenient.  There will be drives to make.  Cards to send.  Gifts to buy.  But in the end, it will be worth it. 

In the Beginning Genesis 1:1 July 2, 2018

¹In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. Genesis 1:1 ESV
¹In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.  John 1:1 ESV

Before anything existed, there was God.  Before you or me.  Before the t-rex.  Even before dirt.  God existed.

He existed before cancer.  Before divorce.  Before unemployment.  His power is transcendent and eternal. 

For me knowing this provides me with not only a sense of calm but also assurance.  God has always been and will always be.  There is nothing that surprises Him.  Nothing comes as a shock to God.  

His eternal past and eternal future existence is no match for our temporary worries, challenges, and heartache.

He was/is/will be.  Never sleeping.  Never tired or distracted.  Spend some time today marveling at that fact and letting that knowledge wash over you.

 

 

In the Beginning John 1:1 July 1, 2018

Well, at long last, it is here.  My first day of retirement.  As of 12:00 a.m., July 1, 2018, I was no longer an employee of Springfield Public Schools or any other public education entity of the State of Missouri.  After 32 years, I am now an official retiree.

As I pondered what to write about today, the first verse from the Gospel of John kept coming to mind.  Besides from being one of my favorite verses, it is apropos for this day in my life.

"In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God."  John 1:1 ESV

I am starting a new chapter in my life.  Hours once filled are now open.  Bosses reported to are now absence.  Schedules formerly dictated by others are now blank.  In the beginning . . .

While I have several things lined out for my retirement, it is imperative that I keep John 1:1 in the forefront of my mind.  "In the beginning was the Word. . ."

The beginning of each day.  The beginning of each project.  The beginning of each new commitment.  All of these beginnings must be directed by God.  Through prayer, meditation, and Bible study, now that my time is less structured, it is more important than ever that God is a weekly, daily, hourly partner in how I spend my time.

In the beginning was the Word.  Thank you, Jesus for your eternality.