Why it Matters - Rock Bottom

Readings for today: Psalms 32, 86, 102, 103, 122

I hate addiction. I hate what it does to those I love. I hate how it impacts those I serve. I have had to battle addiction in my own life and family. As a pastor, I’ve come alongside countless people struggling with addiction or struggling with someone they love who’s enslaved by addiction. I think of a young man I met years ago who struggled with substance abuse. He was unable to hold a job. Unable to find a consistent place to live. He would manipulate and threaten his mother until she gave him money to support his habit. As a result he grew isolated from the rest of his family. He lost all his friends. His only consolation was his drug. It was heartbreaking. It reminded me of what David says today in Psalms 32. “When I refused to confess my sin, my whole body wasted away, while I groaned in pain all day long. For day and night you tormented me; you tried to destroy me in the intense heat of summer.” This young man’s unwillingness to seek help and submit to a treatment program cost him everything he held dear.

My heart breaks for that young man and for the so many others I know just like him. As human beings, we somehow convince ourselves it is easier to hold onto our sin than to confess, repent, and give it up to the Lord. And the harder we hold onto sin, the more it impacts our lives. Our physical bodies. Our mental health. Our emotional well-being. Our relationships. Our stability in life. Our future hopes and dreams. But if we confess our sins, if we no longer spend so much energy attempting to hide our wrongdoing, we find forgiveness. We find freedom. We find health and wholeness. We find reconciliation and restoration.

One of my favorite passages from the Psalms comes from Psalms 32:7, “You are my hiding place; you protect me from distress. You surround me with shouts of joy from those celebrating deliverance.” The reality is God wants to be our help and our hope in time of trouble. God wants to be our refuge from all fear and anxiety. God wants to protect us from our distress but that can only happen if we trust Him. If we submit to Him. If we surrender to Him and let Him direct our steps in life. Those who continue to walk in sin will suffer a great deal of pain but the Lord’s faithfulness overwhelms those who trust in Him. Place your trust in Him today!

Readings for tomorrow: No devotionals on Sundays

Why it Matters - Repentance

Readings for today: 2 Samuel 11-12, 1 Chronicles 20, Psalms 51

Repentance is a consistent theme throughout the Bible. It is the key to maintaining a right relationship with God. God isn’t interested in religion. He isn’t interested in us performing a bunch of rituals if our hearts are not in it. He doesn’t want us going through the motions. As David sings after being confronted by the prophet Nathan, “The sacrifices God desires are a humble spirit – O God, a humble and repentant heart you will not reject.” (Psalms‬ ‭51‬:‭17‬ ‭NET‬‬)

Over the years, I’ve made a lot of promises to God. Promises to be faithful. Promises to obey Him. Promises to make great sacrifices to honor Him. Sometimes I deliver on those promises, sometimes I do not. Sometimes I am faithful, sometimes I am not. Sometimes I do make great sacrifices but not always for God. I am a sinner. I am saved by grace alone through faith alone by Christ alone. And the Holy Spirit has to continually remind me that the sacrifices God desires must from me are not outward expressions of piety so much as inward humility of the heart. God wants me to live my life in a constant state of repentance. Not to make me miserable but to set me free. Not to take all the joy and fun out of life but to help me learn what it means to walk by faith and not by sight and depend on God alone.

David learned this lesson the hard way. Rather than fulfilling his duty to lead his armies in battle, he stayed home. Rather than remain faithful, he committed adultery. Rather than confess his sin, he murdered one of his mighty men and closest followers. It’s a brutal cycle. One that is tragically all too common. But God will not be mocked. He sees what David attempts to cover up and He sends Nathan to confront him. David repents but his choices still result in significant consequences. The death of a child. The disruption of a kingdom. Eventual civil war.

To whom much is given, much is expected. The more power and position and influence and authority a person is given, the more their choices impact those around them. David was a king so his choices impact a nation. The same holds true for our national, state, and local leaders today. I am a pastor so my choices impact the church I serve. I am a husband and a father and my choices impact my wife and children. What choices are you making? What impact are they having? What sacrifices are you offering to the Lord?

Readings for tomorrow: Psalms 32, 86, 102, 103, 122

Why it Matters - Provision

Readings for today: Psalms 65, 66, 67, 69, 70

I have seen plenty and I have seen want in my life. I’ve had seasons where my bank account was full and times where it was empty. I’ve had years where I made plenty of money and was able to provide abundantly for my family and years where I’ve needed public assistance to feed them. I’ve seen both ends of the economic spectrum. I’ve moved up and down the levels of our economic system. Here’s what I’ve discovered to be true…God provides. He provides what we need in the time we need it. Maybe not more than we need but never less than what we need. Maybe not what we want or desire but enough for us to make it through another day. If we are humble and if we submit to Him and if we are willing to accept His help and the help of the people or programs He brings into our lives and if we consider all our options, God is faithful.

Ancient Israel was an agrarian society. As such, they depended on the harvests each year to provide them with food. They worked hard. They were faithful to till the ground. Plant the fields. Do what they could to tear up the weeds or chase away the animals who might steal their crops. But as any farmer knows, there’s only so much one can do. Ultimately, there are so many things outside our control. The sun. The rain. The health of the soil. These things can only come from God. This is why David sings Psalm 65. It’s a song celebrating the bountiful harvest. It’s a song of praise to God the provider. It’s a song declaring the goodness of God the creator.

“You answer our prayers by performing awesome acts of deliverance, O God, our savior. All the ends of the earth trust in you, as well as those living across the wide seas. You created the mountains by your power, and demonstrated your strength. You calm the raging seas and their roaring waves, as well as the commotion made by the nations. Even those living in the most remote areas are awestruck by your acts; you cause those living in the east and west to praise you.” (Psalms‬ ‭65‬:‭5‬-‭8‬ ‭NET‬‬)

“You visit the earth and give it rain; you make it rich and fertile with overflowing streams full of water. You provide grain for them, for you prepare the earth to yield its crops. You saturate its furrows, and soak its plowed ground. With rain showers you soften its soil, and make its crops grow. You crown the year with your good blessings, and you leave abundance in your wake. The pastures in the wilderness glisten with moisture, and the hills are clothed with joy. The meadows are clothed with sheep, and the valleys are covered with grain. They shout joyfully, yes, they sing.” (Psalms‬ ‭65‬:‭9‬-‭13‬ ‭NET‬‬)

“You visit the earth and give it rain…” I love that line. Perhaps because my family has been in farming for generations, I know the importance of abundant water. In fact, my mom just replaced a well on our land up in Nebraska because the old well failed and the crops can’t survive without the water it provides. I also know the importance of Living Water. The kind of water Jesus talks about to the woman at the well in John 4. I’ve experienced it in my own life. No matter how much I’ve struggled or how far I’ve fallen or how little I may have, God always provides. His river is always flowing, providing what I need. Sometimes it feels like a trickle but it gets me through. Sometimes it feels like a torrent and I am overwhelmed by its abundance. Most of the time, I find it to be a slow, meandering stream constantly refreshing my soul.

Readings for tomorrow: 2 Samuel 11-12, 1 Chronicles 20, Psalms 51

Why it Matters - Suspicion

Readings for today: 2 Samuel 10, 1 Chronicles 19, Psalms 20, 53, 60, 75

Human beings tend to be naturally suspicious. Especially those who have been hurt before. It is hard to earn trust and when it is lost, it is almost impossible to regain. There is an old Nigerian proverb that says, “Any animal that escapes from a trap will be suspicious of every bent stick.” This rings true to me especially in our culture today. The rise of social media has led to an exponential increase in bullying and abusive behavior. The hurt and pain so many suffer online bleeds over into everyday relationships. It creates a posture where we assume the worst rather than the best of each other. We question each other’s motives and/or character rather than offer trust. We are quick to pounce on mistakes rather than extend grace. The result is a toxic emotional system which perpetuates pain and suffering on a local, national, even global scale.

There is nothing new under the sun. In our reading for today, King David reaches out to King Hanun of the Ammonites to offer his condolences after his father dies. Sadly, Hanun is deeply insecure and perceives a threat where there is none. In an effort of self-protection, he shames David’s messengers and sends them back home. This represents a significant act of aggression in the Ancient Near East so David goes to war. He defeats the Ammonites in a major battle that costs the lives of thousands of soldiers. All because one man reacted with suspicion to a compassionate gesture.

In one of my favorite all time passages, the Apostle Paul writes, “Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.” (1 Corinthians‬ ‭13‬:‭7‬-‭8‬ ‭NET‬‬) Those who are in Christ are set free from a life of suspicion. We are set free from a life of caution and distrust. We are set free from the burden of being guarded and self-protective. We are set free to love. Love unconditionally. Love generously. Love sacrificially just as Jesus did. And as the Apostle John so famously said, “Perfect love casts out all fear.” So let me challenge you to set aside any and all of your suspicions. Step into the freedom Christ won for you on the cross. Step into the freedom Christ offers you through His Spirit. Embrace the way of love and watch how it changes your relationships with those you love and the world around you.

Readings for tomorrow: Psalms 65, 66, 67, 69, 70

Why it Matters - Hyperbole

Readings for today: 2 Samuel 8-9, 1 Chronicles 18

One of the challenges in reading the Old Testament is the use of hyperbole. This was a common rhetorical device among Ancient Near East writers especially when it came to reporting on military encounters. For the Biblical authors, the purpose was the magnify the glory of God and the overwhelming nature of His victories. This was especially true when Israel won victories against much stronger enemies. Additionally, round numbers were often used to signify the “completeness” of a victory. You see similar “epic” rhetoric used by the Egyptian Pharaohs or the Assyrian kings.

Take today’s reading for example. The author of 2 Samuel writes that David put two thirds of the Moabites to death after a battle, seized 1,700 charioteers and 20,000 infantry, and killed 22,000 Arameans. He then writes about another battle in the Valley of Salt where David defeats 18,000 more Arameans. The author of 1 Chronicles comes up with some different numbers in David’s battle with the king of Zobah - 1,000 chariots and 7,000 charioteers rather than 1,700. Is this a contradiction? Not if we are reading from an Ancient Near East point of view. The point was not to provide accurate data for a census but to magnify the successes of King David against the enemies of Israel and the fulfillment of God’s promise.

One of the key questions to ask as you read the Bible, especially the Old Testament, is what did it mean to the people it was written to. The Bible was written for us but it wasn’t originally written to us. It was written to a particular people in a particular culture who saw life through a particular worldview. This is essential for us to keep in mind lest we lose sight of the true meaning of the text or fall into the trap of anachronism. I see this happen all the time. People projecting our cultural values and ways of seeing the world back onto the text of Scripture. It never works out well and it fails to treat the Bible as a serious conversation partner when it comes to faith.

Readings for tomorrow: 2 Samuel 10, 1 Chronicles 19, Psalms 20, 53, 60, 75

Why it Matters - Credit

Readings for today: 2 Samuel 7, 1 Chronicles 17, Psalms 1, 2, 33, 127, 133

I love today’s reading. It’s one of my favorite stories in the Old Testament. David, a man after God’s own heart, looks around at his beautiful palace and the first thing he thinks about is the disparity between his house and God’s house. God lives in a tent so how can David live in a house of cedar? What does it say about David that he would live in a palace while God still has no permanent place to place His glory? So David begins to plan. He intends to build God a magnificent Temple. But this is not God’s will for David. God refuses to allow David to take any credit for what has taken place in his life. It is God who raised David up from the pasture. God who took a shepherd boy and made him king. God who defeated all David’s enemies. God who made his name famous in the region. It is God who will continue to give David success as he sits on throne and it will be God who will guarantee his dynasty for eternity.

What is David’s response? Does he argue with God? Does he point out all the work he’s put in over the course of his life? Does he seek to take credit for any of his accomplishments? Not at all. David humbles himself before the Lord. He falls on his knees in worship and praises God for all He has done. “Who am I, O Lord God, and what is my family, that should have brought me to this point?” (2 Samuel 7:18 NET) As David reflects on all that has happened in his life, he immediately turns to praise. He gives God all the glory. He gives God all the credit.

Who gets the credit for your life? It’s a very important question. Especially for a Christian. Do I claim all the credit for myself or do I give glory to God? When I look back on my life, do I attribute all I’ve accomplished to my own hard work or do I thank God for the grace He has given me? When I consider all I have experienced, do I consider it the natural result of my own effort or can I see God’s hand at work, carefully orchestrating things according to His sovereign will? The fundamental reality is this…I didn’t choose where I would be born. I didn’t choose my family. I didn’t choose my gifts and talents and abilities. God gave me all of those things. He blessed me in more ways than I could possibly imagine and it is what has allowed me to achieve whatever success I have achieved in my life. What about you?

Readings for tomorrow: 2 Samuel 8-9, 1 Chronicles 18

Why it Matters - Righteousness and Justice

Readings for today: Psalms 89, 96, 100, 101, 107

In our current political climate, there is a tug of war between righteousness and justice. Those who lean right politically tend to focus on individual righteousness. Individual responsibility. Personal choices. The temptation is to ignore the very real impact of unjust systems and structures that often impact individual lives, limit their options, and shape how they understand the moral good. Those who lean left politically tend to focus on justice. Just systems. Just structures. Just laws. The temptation is ignore the very real impact of the unrighteous choices individuals make whether due to greed, selfishness, deceit, etc. The Bible is clear we need both to thrive.

Psalms 89:14 states, “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne. Loyal love and faithfulness characterize your rule.” God’s Kingdom is built on a foundation that includes both righteousness and justice. You can’t have one without the other. You have to take both seriously. Human beings are sinful. The history of humanity is a testimony to this salient, Biblical fact. As such, we will naturally love unrighteousness more than righteousness. It’s why we need Jesus. Only by accepting Christ and receiving the indwelling presence of the Holy Spirit will we ever learn to love righteousness. At the same time, it’s just as important to address the systems and structures we build. Because humanity is sinful, the systems we create are naturally unjust. They privilege certain classes of people over others. They reinforce prejudice and bias. They are tilted towards those with power and influence. We must consistently fight to reform these systems in order to create a more just and equitable society. Ultimately, of course, we will never reach perfection. Not in this life. Not on our own. Not without God. But the battle is worth it. The battle for every human heart. The battle for every society and nation on earth.

Readings for tomorrow: No devotionals on Sundays

Why it Matters - Security

Readings for today: Psalms 15, 23-25, 47

Human beings have an innate need for security. Without it, we cannot flourish. Not as individuals. Not as families. Not as a society. I think of the nations I’ve worked in where there is no security. The result is all kinds of lawlessness and violence. The people there experience all kinds of pain and suffering. They are often left helpless and without hope. I think of the work a dear friend of mine is doing among immigrants in a city just north of me. So much of his focus is to bring security to a very insecure population. He works on issues like legal security, food security, housing security, and job security. Most of all, he works on spiritual security. Eternal security. Something every human being desperately needs. Recently, I was talking to someone I love dearly about his life. He has lived a quarter century at this point and most of that time has been a struggle. By his own admission, he keeps trying to do things his own way but it’s not working out for him. He wants desperately to be free of his addictions. He would love to let go of the guilt and shame of his past. He lives with all kinds of regrets over the choices he’s made. What he’s longing for is the security only Jesus can bring.

The Psalms talk a lot about how to live a secure life. First and foremost, we place our trust in God. The One who owns the earth and all it contains. The One who runs the world and all that is in it. (Psalms 24) We trust Him because He promises to provide for our needs and lead us to green pastures and still waters and restore our souls. He never leaves us or forsakes us but is with us through every dark valley in life. (Psalm 23) The more we trust God, the more we walk in His ways. We do what is right. We speak honestly. We do no harm to others. We keep our promises. (Psalms 15) Our deeds become blameless. Our hearts become pure. (Psalms 24)

God rewards those who seek Him and those who follow Him with a secure life. Not an easy life. Not a comfortable life. Not a pain-free life. But a secure life. A life that stands no matter how many storms come our way. We do not obey God in order to gain this life or earn this life but our obedience is a natural response to the life we are given when we begin a relationship with Him. Holiness and purity and righteousness characterize the lives of those who love God. And it’s why we can rest secure. Because we dwell with Him. In His home. On His holy hill. On the mountain of the Lord. In His holy dwelling place.

Readings for tomorrow: Psalms 89, 96, 100, 101, 107

Why it Matters - Holiness

Readings for today: 2 Samuel 5:11-25, 2 Samuel 6, 1 Chronicles 13-16

Holiness seems to be a forgotten concept in our culture. Even in many of our churches. We have become so familiar with Jesus that it has bread contempt. Contempt for His Word. Contempt for His ways. Contempt for His Law. We’ve settled for cheap grace. Easy believism. We falsely assume that a relationship with Jesus comes with no expectations. Nothing could be further from the truth. Jesus is clear. Those who love Him obey His commandments. Those who follow Him deny themselves. Those who become His disciples pick up a cross. There is a cost to discipleship. Not because we have to earn anything. Not because we have to prove ourselves to anyone. Not because we have to work to earn God’s favor. But simply because God is holy. And because God is holy, we must be holy. And holiness requires us to submit our will and our way to God.

David learned this the hard way. He falsely assumed he could worship God any way he wanted as long as it was sincere. The people of God were so excited to bring the ark of the covenant back home but in their fervor, they did not seek the Lord. They did not honor God’s commands when it came to worship. God had clearly prescribed a precise way to handle the ark. It was to be carried by the Levites. It was to be accompanied by musicians. Sacrifices were to be made. It was a sacred procession. Tragically, David’s first attempt to bring the ark home didn’t follow God’s prescribed commands so when Uzzah, himself a Levite and someone who should have known better, reaches out his hand to steady the ark to keep it from falling, he is struck down. Even though he was well-intentioned, he violated God’s command not to touch the holy items directly. It’s a sober reminder even for us today.

When we gather for worship, are we gathering in accordance with God’s will and God’s way? Unfortunately, a lot of churches have turned inward and focus more on their own preferences when it comes to worship. Still others focus on entertainment and self-help. Still others focus on the needs of the people rather than honoring a holy God. No church is perfect, of course. I won’t pretend the church I serve has it “right.” But the primary question that guides our worship is not “how do the people feel or respond” but does it honor God.

Readings for tomorrow: Psalms 15, 23-25, 47

Why it Matters - Unity

Readings for today: 2 Samuel 5:1-10, 1 Chronicles 11-12, Psalms 133

A fundamental principle of the Christian faith is that we are never, ever alone. First and foremost, God is with us. He promises to come and dwell with us when we give our lives to Him. Through the Holy Spirit, He indwells our hearts and abides with us forever. This is why it’s so important to spend time with God every day and gather for worship with His people every week. We need the constant reminder that He is Emmanuel, God with us. Second, God surrounds us with His people. People from all walks of life who share a common commitment to the Lord. They pray for us. They encourage us. They support us. They hold us accountable. Men and women of deep faith who do life alongside us. We build these relationships in small groups, Bible studies, and through mentoring. We connect deeply with one another as we share openly and honestly and vulnerably and transparently. This is how God designed the Christian life to work and as we follow Him faithfully, our circle of relationships grows. It’s beautiful.

This is what David experienced as well. First and foremost, the Bible says God was with David. “David’s power grew steadily, for the Lord God who commands armies was with him.” (1 Samuel 5:10 NET) The source of David’s success was the Lord. He did not win his battles by himself. He did not accomplish all the great things he accomplished on his own. God was with him to strengthen and empower him along the way. Second, God surrounded David with godly men. Mighty men. Men of valor who would have his back and fight by his side. “These were the leaders of David’s warriors who helped establish and stabilize his rule over all Israel, in accordance with the Lord’s Word.” (1 Chronicles 11:10 NET) The author of Chronicles goes on to list the names of these men and even provides some of the detail as to their accomplishments. The sacrifices these men made for David are extraordinary. These men were eventually joined by thousands of others as God brought unity to His people under David’s godly leadership.

God blesses the unity of His people. I have seen it with my own eyes. All it takes to make it happen is one person who commits to walk with the Lord. As we commit our way to Him, He will surround us with godly men and women who share the same heart and desire. And as that group of people grows, great things will be accomplished for God’s Kingdom. This is how it has always been and always will be. What role do you play in bringing God’s people together?

Readings for tomorrow: 2 Samuel 5:11-25, 2 Samuel 6, 1 Chronicles 13-16

Why it Matters - Never Forgotten

Readings for today: 1 Chronicles 7-9

Today’s reading brings us to an end of the genealogies. And while it isn’t easy to plow through all the names, it is important to remember the overarching point. God never forgets. He never forgets His people. He never forgets His promises. The Book of 1 Chronicles is most likely written to a group of people who have returned from exile. They have spent decades in Babylon wondering if God had indeed forgotten them. Now they have returned and they take a census of everyone who is resettling the land. To their amazement, all of the tribes are represented. Even the ten northern tribes who were scattered by the Assyrians centuries before. Yes, some of the tribes get more treatment than the others and it’s possible that the tribe of Dan is only indirectly referenced but all of them seem to there.

I don’t know about you but I find this deeply comforting. Though we may forget God. Though we may walk away from God. Though we may try to reject God. He never forgets us. He never walks away from us. He never rejects us. Once we accept Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior, we are grafted into His family forever. We are adopted as His children and He will never stop pursuing us until He has rescued every lost sheep, found every lost coin, and saved every lost son or daughter. This is His promise. No one can snatch us out of His hand. I think of the people I love who gave their lives to Christ but now are trying to live apart from Him. They try so hard to forget God but I can see His hand at work in their lives, drawing them back home. It gives me hope. Even if they push Him away for years, His grace is irresistible in the end.

Do you know people in your life who once knew the love of God and have walked away? Deconstructed? Left the Christian faith? Don’t lose heart. God never forgets. He will pursue them with His love until the day they die. That’s His promise and that’s what these verses from 1 Chronicles attest to in our reading today.

Readings for tomorrow: 2 Samuel 5:1-10, 1 Chronicles 11-12, Psalms 133

Why it Matters - Chaos

Readings for today: Psalms 81, 88, 92, 93

Human beings have always hated chaos. Some of our earliest mythologies present the gods as bringing order to chaos. Typically, order comes about through a cosmic conflict whereby “chaos” is defeated and dismembered thus bringing the universe into being. When the ancient Hebrews looked out on the Mediterranean Sea, all they saw was chaos. It’s why they often depict chaos using water imagery. The waters of creation over which the Spirit of God hovered. The waters that covered the earth during Noah’s flood. And the waters that roar and surge in Psalms 93. “The waves roar, O Lord, the waves roar, the waves roar and crash. Above the sound of the surging water, and the mighty waves of the sea, the Lord sits enthroned in majesty.” (Psalms 93:3-4 NET) This is one of the many things that sets the Hebrews apart from their ancient near east neighbors. They don’t believe God has to fight some cosmic war to bring chaos to heel. He already sits enthroned above the flood. The waters can roar and foam and surge all they want but they present no threat to God. He simply speaks and order is brought to chaos.

I find this thought extremely comforting as did the Psalmist. The world often feels chaotic. Humanity is almost always at war. The pain and suffering we experience is real and overwhelming. Armies march. Economies crash. Pandemics rage. Storm systems spin. Drought and famine create a harvest of death. But the Psalmist lifts his eyes above it all to see the Lord enthroned on high. He knows God reigns and His throne cannot be moved. The Lord is robed in strength and majesty. His will is sovereign and reliable. No matter what we experience in this world, we can trust Him for He has always been and always will be king.

When you experience chaos in your life, where do you turn? Do you turn, like the Psalmist to God? Do you place your trust in His sovereign will and strength? Do you look to Him to bring order to the chaos of your life?

Readings for tomorrow: 1 Chronicles 7-9

Why it Matters - Despair

Readings for today: 1 Chronicles 6, Psalms 36, 39, 77-78

I recently spoke to a person who is really struggling with despair. Their life has not been easy. They’re battling addiction. They suffer from an anxiety disorder. They take medication for depression. They don’t make healthy choices. They seem to make the same mistakes over and over again. They have seasons where it looks like they are making progress but then they have a string of bad luck and things feel worse than before. It’s heartbreaking. And yet, all is not lost. One of the things I often encourage them to do is to reflect back over the course of their life and remember the blessings God has given them. Write them down in a gratitude journal of some kind. Take time every day to thank God for even small things like a warm home and food on their table and a family that loves them.

Our world is full of pain and suffering. Evil is all around us. Life is expensive and hard. Violence and hatred on the rise. Social media and cable news dumps all kinds of gasoline on this raging inferno. And in the face of everything we see and experience on a daily basis, it is easy to give into despair. The same was true for the Psalmist. Listen again to his words. “I said, “I tried to make sense of what was happening. I asked, “Will the Lord reject me forever? Will he never again show me his favor? Has his loyal love disappeared forever? Has his promise failed forever? Has God forgotten to be merciful? Has his anger stifled his compassion?” Then I said, “I am sickened by the thought that the sovereign One might become inactive.” (‭‭Psalms‬ ‭77‬:‭6‬b-‭10‬ ‭NET‬‬) Ever felt that way? Ever tried to make sense of what was happening in your life or in the world around us and wondered if God had abandoned you? Wondered if He had finally had enough and rejected you? Wondered if His patience had run out and His promises come to an end? I think all of us know what this feels like on some level. So how did the Psalmist handle his despair? He remembered. He reflected back on all God had done for Israel over the centuries. He recounted all of God’s mighty deeds. And it led him to praise and thanksgiving and gratitude once again. “I will remember the works of the Lord. Yes, I will remember the amazing things you did long ago! I will think about all you have done; I will reflect upon your deeds!” O God, your deeds are extraordinary! What god can compare to our great God? You are the God who does amazing things; you have revealed your strength among the nations.” (Psalms‬ ‭77‬:‭11‬-‭14‬ ‭NET‬‬)

Spiritual reflection is an important spiritual discipline. Thinking back over the course of our lives on all God has done. Remembering His goodness to us and to our family and to those we love. Even connecting to the wider story of all God has done for His people throughout history can bring us a sense of hope in the midst of our depression and despair. Whatever you may be facing today. Whatever pressures you may be under. Whatever anxieties and fears you may feel. Take some time to remember God’s faithfulness. God’s goodness. God’s steadfast love. You are not alone in what you are experiencing. God is with you.

Readings for tomorrow: No devotionals on Sundays

Why it Matters - Belonging

Readings for today: 1 Chronicles 3-5

Several years ago, I ran across a brilliant insight from Old Testament theologian, John Walton, who wrote, “Though the Bible was written for us, it was not written to us.” This is critical to keep in mind as we read. For example, in today’s reading, the audience is very likely the Jewish community who returned from exile in Babylon. It is not being written down as it happens but as God’s people reflect back on their history. These former exiles would have been desperate to reclaim their tribal identities. They were looking to restore the worshipping life of Israel and the rebuilding of their nation. Tracing their lineage back to the patriarchs and kings of old would have provided a deep sense of belonging and a sense that God had not forgotten His promises to them. It’s a great reminder that “exile”, in whatever form that takes, is not the final word in our story.

When I meet with people for counseling, I often remind them they are not defined by their worst day or worst moments. They are not defined by their guilt or shame. They are not defined by their failures and mistakes. The reality is that all of us have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God. The key is to return to Him in repentance. Humble ourselves before Him. Submit once again to His will and to His way and in due time, He will lift us up again. God is faithful. He never leaves us or forsakes us. He never abandons us to our fate. This is the main thrust of the message of all these genealogies. The people of God literally tracing the faithfulness of God throughout their history. We should be able to look back on our own lives and our own families and our own histories and see the same dynamic in play.

Readings for tomorrow: 1 Chronicles 6, Psalms 36, 39, 77-78

Why it Matters - Wealth

Readings for today: Psalms 49, 84, 85, 87

Why does the Bible talk so much about money? Why does God care about what we do with our wealth? What possible relevance could earthly riches have in heaven? These are just a few of the questions I get frequently in my line of work. And when I scratch the surface, usually what I find is a deeper struggle for ownership and control. We want to run our lives. We believe we have the right to spend our money any way we desire since we are the ones who worked hard to earn it. We believe we are entitled to live at a certain economic level. We believe we should be free to pursue a certain kind of lifestyle. We don’t like constraints. We don’t like demands. We resist any claim on our wealth. And this is what makes money so dangerous. So easy to fall in love with which, according to Scripture, is the root of all evil. To be clear, it’s not wealth that is evil, it’s the love of wealth. It’s the sin of greed that so infects the human heart. It’s virulent. Airborne and highly contagious. There is no natural immunity or vaccine to stop it. There is only the Holy Spirit removing the old heart with its lusts and greeds and replacing it with a new heart and new, rightly ordered desires and loves, among which is generosity.

• The problem of greed is as old as the human race itself. For as long as human beings have walked the earth and lived in community together, there are some who accumulate more than others. Sometimes through hard work and determination. Sometimes through random chance and blind luck. Sometimes through manipulation and exploitation and the use of power. And it’s easy to grow resentful when we see the unrighteous prosper. We wonder how in the world a good God could allow the wicked to accumulate vast amounts of worldly wealth. The Psalmist felt the same way but he also understood the limitations of wealth. “They trust in their wealth and boast in their great riches. Certainly a man cannot rescue his brother; he cannot pay God an adequate ransom price (the ransom price for a human life is too high, and people go to their final destiny), so that he might continue to live forever and not experience death.” (Psalms‬ ‭49‬:‭6‬-‭9‬ ‭NET‬‬) Wealth cannot buy you happiness. Wealth cannot get you into ticket to heaven. Wealth cannot be used to win favor with God. It is temporal not eternal. It is fleeting. It is here today and gone tomorrow. And we certainly cannot take it with us when we die.

• So what is the purpose of wealth? The Bible is clear. God entrusts us with wealth to further His Kingdom in the world. When we give generously and sacrificially to the Lord, we are storing up treasures in heaven. We are inoculating ourselves against the love of money. We are letting go of temporal riches that fade in favor of heavenly riches that endure. So how do we get started? How do we grow in the spiritual discipline of generosity? We pray. We ask the Lord what we are to give and then we are to give it cheerfully and joyfully. Trust the Holy Spirit to lead and guide you in your giving.

Readings for tomorrow: 1 Chronicles 3-5

Why it Matters - God’s Plan

Readings for today: 1 Chronicles 1-2, Psalms 43-44

Biblical genealogies are not the easiest to untangle. There are a lot of names. Some are connected to the family tree. Their importance is obvious. Abraham. Isaac. Jacob. Others don’t appear connected in any way and seemingly pop up out of nowhere. Seir and the Horites. The kings of Edom. Caleb’s many wives and children. It gets confusing and it’s hard to keep everything straight. So what’s the point of reading these chapters? What value do they add to the believer’s life? If every Word of Scripture is breathed out by God and useful for correction, rebuke, and training in righteousness, what purpose do these chapters serve? I’m glad you asked.

1 Chronicles 1-2 offers the careful reader several important insights. First, it connects us to humanity’s origin story. It reminds us we all share a common ancestor. A man made in the image of God who was given dominion over all He had made. We are not just the product of random chance or natural selection. We have dignity and value and worth given to us by God Himself. Second, it connects us to God’s covenant family. The family through whom salvation will come to the world. The family God promised He would use to bless the nations. The family to whom God made an unbreakable, unshakeable promise. This means we are not orphans in this world. We have an identity. We are children of God, adopted into His family, chosen by grace. Third, it connects us to a holy nation. The nation of Israel. We’ve been grafted in according to God’s sovereign plan. Once we were not a people, now we are part of God’s people. Fourth, it connects us to the royal tribe of Judah. The tribe from which the Messiah will one day come. In Jesus, God fulfills His promise to never let the scepter depart from Judah. Finally, it connects us to the royal line of David. God fulfilling His promise to David that he would always have a descendent to sit on his throne. All of this is running in background as we read these names. It’s a snapshot of God’s salvation plan in action.

There are so many moments in life where I need the comforting reminder of God’s salvation plan. I need to remember He is at work. Even when I cannot see Him. Even when I cannot feel Him. Even when I cannot touch Him or perceive Him. God is at work in every generation. In every tribe and tongue and nation. He is at work in human history. He holds the past, present, and future in His hands. Whenever I feel discouraged or down or anxious or afraid, I try to remember the saints who have gone before me and their faith in the One who holds all things together.

Readings for tomorrow: Psalms 49, 84, 85, 87

Why it Matters - Honesty

Readings for today: Psalms 6, 9, 10, 14, 16, 21

I love the Psalms. One of the main reasons is how honest they are about real life. The Psalmist expresses the full range of human emotion. Anger and despair. Grief and sorrow. Frustration and the desire for revenge. He is not afraid to lay his troubles before the Lord. He is honest about his fears and failures. He even wonders at times if God is present or if He even cares. At the same time, he clings to his faith. He calls on God for deliverance. He trusts God’s righteous character. He knows God will hear his prayers even if it doesn’t feel like it at times. He continues to seek the Lord with all his heart. “Lord, you give me stability and prosperity; you make my future secure. I constantly trust in the Lord; because he is at my right hand, I will not be upended.” (Psalms‬ ‭16‬:‭5‬, ‭8‬ ‭NET‬‬)

Recently, I was counseling an individual who has experienced significant loss and betrayal in her life. She comes from a country with an oppressive regime where women are systematically mistreated. She had a son who died tragically of cancer when he was seven years old. Immediately after her son died, her husband had an affair and left her for the other woman. Rather than support her, her mother blamed her for the breakup of her marriage. Her new husband cares for her but recently declared bankruptcy, putting them in significant financial straits. She is not yet a believer but is open to the faith. As she and I talked, I asked her what she thought about forgiveness. She immediately rejected the idea but as we talked more, she kept coming back to the concept. She asked me what it would take and why I felt it important. We talked about forgiving the different people in her life and than I suggested she may need to forgive God. This really took her by surprise. I encouraged her to share with God how betrayed she felt when He didn’t answer her prayers to heal her son. I encouraged her to share her anger with God and her deep grief and disappointment. I assured her God could handle her emotions. It was a new thought for her and I took her to the Psalms to give her some examples.

It’s hard for us to be completely honest with God. We often feel like we’re sinning if we express our frustrations or disappointments or even anger with Him. But the Psalmist shows us how to wrestle with God honestly in faith. It’s okay to share anything and everything we’re feeling with God as long as it leads us to a deeper faith and trust in Him. Through the Psalms, God invites us to share our deepest emotions with Him and He proves He is not afraid to hear our heart’s cries. This is what I love about our God and it is what it means to have an authentic relationship with Him.

Readings for tomorrow: 1 Chronicles 1-2, Psalms 43-44

Why it Matters - Friendship

Readings for today: 2 Samuel 1-4

I got a call from my oldest friend the other day. His mom passed away recently and he asked me if I would officiate at the memorial service. I was honored. After all, I’ve known Kyle since I first moved to Colorado. He and I went to elementary school together. We were in Boy Scouts. We hung out all the time in high school. We attended each other’s weddings. When he lost his mom, I too was grieved because of all the memories I have of her from growing up.

I reached out to another friend when I was in Central Asia last week. I met Tim in college right after becoming a Christian. Tim and I did Bible study together and served in our campus ministry together. When I got married, Tim was my best man. When he got married - literally two weeks later - I was one of his groomsmen. When he and his wife went on staff with a parachurch ministry, my wife and I were one of his early supporters. It’s been an honor to stay in touch with him over the years and follow the work God has done in and through him. That’s why I reached out to him while overseas. The people I was with are part of the same ministry Tim is with and it made me so grateful for our friendship and partnership in the gospel over so many years.

I hope you have friends like Kyle and Tim in your life. People who are close to you. People you could call at 2AM if you were in crisis. People who would pray for you, support you, encourage you, and bless you. People who are very dear to you. That’s what Jonathan was to David. He was David’s closest and dearest friend. Though they were technically rivals for the throne of Israel, Jonathan willingly gave up his rights for the sake of their friendship and David honored Jonathan in return. When Jonathan dies, David grieves. The loss is painful and personal for him. In fact, he even says his love for Jonathan was more special to him than the love of women. “I grieve over you, my brother Jonathan! You were very dear to me. Your love was more special to me than the love of women.” (2 Samuel 1:26 NET) The loss of Jonathan represents not only the loss of a close friend but the death of their dreams of ruling Israel together.

Now some have suggested this passage is an oblique ancient reference to a homoerotic relationship. It’s utter nonsense. Those who support such a view are reading their own point of view back into the text. Sadly, in our culture today, we have hypersexualized every relationship. We falsely believe that if we feel a deep, emotional connection to someone then we must desire them sexually. We don’t have modern categories for platonic friendships anymore whereas such things were common in the ancient world. Our lives are the poorer for it. The epidemic of loneliness and isolation is largely due in part to the loss of deep friendships. The reality is far too many of us don’t have a close friend. We don’t have someone we can call at 2AM in a crisis. We don’t have someone with whom we can bare our soul. This is not God’s design. He created us for deep friendships, especially in the Body of Christ.

p.s. If you need help getting started, let me recommend picking up the book, Receive, by Jeff Kemp. It’s geared towards men but is equally applicable to women. Very practical guide to how to begin forming deep friendships.

Readings for tomorrow: Psalms 6, 9, 10, 14, 16, 21

Why it Matters - Help

Readings for today: Psalms 121, 123-125, 128-130

I just returned from an international trip and one of the places I visited was Kazakhstan. I had never been there before and it is beautiful. I flew into Almaty and spent time with mission partners in the city. The city is located in the foothills of the Trans-Ili Alatau mountains. The peaks tower directly over the city to the south, some rising to over 16000 feet. They are glorious on a clear day. One of the main attractions in Almaty is a beautiful ski resort located about twenty minutes outside the city. Once you’re there, you can ride a gondola up into the mountains and catch some amazing views. Unfortunately, the day I was there it was cloudy but we were still able to get high enough to see the city below.

The city of Jerusalem is located in a similar spot, though the mountains are not nearly as high. It too is nestled on a plateau in the middle of the Judaean Mountains. The Mount of Olives lies to the east and Mount Scopus to the northeast. One of the most iconic views of Jerusalem is seen from a lookout point on the Mount of Olives and it’s where most tours stop on their way into Jerusalem. It’s spectacular. For the Psalmist, the view has a deeper spiritual meaning. As he looks out on the mountains that surround the city, he sees it as symbolic of how the Lord surrounds His people. Protecting them. Guiding them. Encircling them in His love. “As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people, now and forevermore.” (Psalms‬ ‭125‬:‭2‬ ‭NET‬‬) It’s a potent vision. One I am reminded of when I look out on the mountains that lie to the west of my own city. I think about their strength and permanence. I think about their heights and majesty. Over the years, I’ve climbed many of those mountains and the view from the top is breathtaking. A taste of what the Lord sees when He looks down on all He has made.

In Psalm 121, the Psalmist poses this question…”I look up toward the hills, toward the mountains, from where does my help come?” Not from the hills. Not from the mountains. Not from any place in this world. His help comes from the Lord, who made everything in heaven and on earth. Is the Lord your helper? Do you sense His abiding presence with you each and every day? Do you lean on Him for strength and wisdom? Do you look to Him for guidance when you make decisions? Is He your protector? Do you find yourself living within His embrace? Resting in His everlasting arms?

Readings for tomorrow: No devotionals on Sundays

Why it Matters - Grace

Readings for today: 1 Samuel 28-31, 1 Chronicles 10

Grace is unmerited favor. It is unearned blessing. It is a free gift from God. David understood grace. He understood his entire life up to this point had been filled with grace. Grace brought him from a shepherd’s field to a powerful position within the Kingdom of Israel. Grace won his battle with Goliath. Grace delivered the Philistines into his hands over and over again. And because David walked by grace and lived by grace, he was able to extend it out to others. Like the two hundred men who couldn’t keep up with him when they went into battle. The normal thing to do would be to punish them for their faithlessness. Deny them any part of the victory spoils. But David knew it was God who had given him the victory not his own strength of arms so he could be generous even with those who had let him down. I love how he is so quick to give God all the credit and glory. “But David said, “You shall not do so, my brothers, with what the Lord has given us. He has preserved us and given into our hand the band that came against us.” (1 Samuel 30:23 NET)

Over the years, I’ve become convinced that grace is the most powerful force in the universe. I have seen grace change the hearts of those I love in my own family. I have seen grace change enemies into dear friends. I have seen grace heal divisions in churches. I have seen grace have a transformative effect in ways judgment never could. Grace sees the best in people. Grace sees God’s image in people. Grace refuses to let any barriers get in the way. Just this past week, I experienced grace when spending time with people from multiple different cultures, speaking multiple different languages. My heart was filled by their joy and laughter and tears and sadness. All of it grace upon grace upon grace.

Where has grace changed your life? Where have you seen grace change the lives of others? How can you extend grace to those around you today?

Readings for tomorrow: Psalms 121, 123-125, 128-130