What's a body to do?

DAILY BIBLE READING:

Job 37:1–39:30 
2 Corinthians 4:13–5:10 
Psalm 44:9-26 
Proverbs 22:13

TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE(S):

2 Corinthians 5:4 (NLT) "While we live in these earthly bodies, we groan and sigh, but it’s not that we want to die and get rid of these bodies that clothe us. Rather, we want to put on our new bodies so that these dying bodies will be swallowed up by life."

REFLECTIONS ON TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE(S):

Our Verse for Today touches on the subject matter that is also addressed in 1 Corinthians 15. It focuses on the fact that we aren't simply spirits - we are also bodies.

Some folks erroneously think that our bodies are simply a temporary part of us. They suspect that when they die, their spirit will ascend to the Lord's presence and they will never have a use for their body again.

Nothing could be further from the truth.

Our bodies are essential for at least two reasons:

First, they enable us to experience sensation. A spirit has no tongue and taste buds to enjoy delicious foods that will be a part of our heavenly experience. A spirit doesn't have a nose with which to smell the heavenly aromas. A spirit doesn't have the ability to touch and be touched to enjoy connectedness with others. Neither does it have eyes or ears to enjoy the sights and sounds of Heaven. So, our bodies are not incidental - they are absolutely essential to experience Heaven.

Second, our bodies are not made for some "spiritual" Heaven. Our bodies remind us of Genesis 1-2 where Adam was made from the earth. Clearly, we are made to exist on a planet with real dirt. So, it's no surprise when we read the last two chapters of Revelation and realize that our final heavenly home is "a new heaven and a new earth" (Revelation 21:1).

If you read our Verse for Today, Paul was saying that he didn't want to be finally rid of his body. While his physical body was decimated by the beatings, stoning, and many other horrible things he had endured, he desperately wanted a body to enjoy for eternity.

2 Corinthians 5:4 (NLT) "While we live in these earthly bodies, we groan and sigh, but it’s not that we want to die and get rid of these bodies that clothe us. Rather, we want to put on our new bodies so that these dying bodies will be swallowed up by life."

If you will read through 1 Corinthians 15, you will hear the Lord (through the Apostle Paul's pen) state that our present bodies will one day be supernaturally resurrected and turned into our eternal bodies. They will be remarkably similar to what we have now but incredibly better. And with those new bodies, we will be able to experience the sensations of Heaven as we walk the New Earth.

How incredible is it going to be? Well, when you get to the final chapter of the Bible as the Apostle John had been writing about the New Earth, he couldn't help himself. He got so excited that his heart cried out, "Come, Lord Jesus!" (Revelation 20:20). He was ready for Jesus to take him home right then and there.

If we properly understand Heaven and what it will be like, we will live our life to the fullest but also crave for the day that our Lord calls us home!

What a leader looks for in a friend

DAILY BIBLE READING:

Job 34:1–36:33 
2 Corinthians 4:1-12 
Psalm 44:1-8 
Proverbs 22:10-12

TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE(S):

Proverbs 22:11 (NLT) "Whoever loves a pure heart and gracious speech will have the king as a friend."

REFLECTIONS ON TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE(S):

As Solomon wrote down the proverb that would become our Verse for the Day, he would have taken it very personal. The other proverbs were true and helpful but this one hit close to home. You see, Solomon was a king.

Proverbs 22:11 (NLT) "Whoever loves a pure heart and gracious speech will have the king as a friend."

As a king (or a leader of any type), Solomon knew of the intense strain that rested upon him almost constantly:

• The pressures of decision-making knowing that people would be affected either positively or negatively by those choices.
• The pressures that never stop. There was never a time when he was "off the clock." 
• The pressures of being responsible for those in positions of authority under his own authority. Their competency (or lack therefore) reflects back on him and would require him to resolve the problem if they weren't doing their job well.
• On and on we could could go about the pressures of leadership.

But, Solomon was addressing something very person in our Verse for Today. He knew that leadership can also be incredibly lonely.

• The higher you climb, the more some people want to knock you down. It makes them feel powerful. So, you begin to question a little more frequently who you can trust.
• The higher you climb, the more you are surrounded by folks who are ambitiously seeking their own interests and not the interests of the organization and the people within it. Therefore, they are incapable of being trusted or entrusted with authority.
• The higher your climb, the greater the chance that you will have to correct someone or remove them from positions of authority for indiscretions or incompetencies. In my experience, they rarely take that well. At that point, anything you have shared with them in private becomes ammunition to use against you.
• It has also been my experience that many who profess to be Jesus-followers readily embrace God's forgiveness of their own sins while harboring resentment and anger and unforgiveness for a leader and his (supposed) offenses against them (see Matthew 18:23-35). 
• Again, I could go on and on regarding why leaders struggle to have friendships and know who they can trust.

Solomon would have felt this. He would have longed for friendships and relationships that he could trust. 

Well, who could he trust? As a king and leader, what kind of people would he have enjoyed being around him so that he could satisfy his heart's longing for relationship?

Proverbs 22:11 (NLT) "Whoever loves a pure heart and gracious speech will have the king as a friend."

He wanted people with "a pure heart." They weren't duplicitous. They wouldn't say one thing to him and then something quite different to folks out in the parking lot. They were people of integrity who he could trust because their heart and motives were pure.

He wanted people with "gracious speech." That means that they were known for being kind in what they said. Because leaders know that if you talk badly about someone else in the leader's presence, then you'll probably talk badly about the leader in someone else's presence.

So, if you're a leader, this verse provides the qualifications of people that you will want to surround yourself with.

If you aren't in a position of leadership and want to be a blessing to those who are, ask God to give you these qualities in abundance. Leaders are looking for people with pure hearts and gracious speech.

The sin of lust

DAILY BIBLE READING:

Job 31:1–33:33 
2 Corinthians 3:1-18 
Psalm 43:1-5 
Proverbs 22:8-9

TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE(S):

Job 31:11-12 (NLT) "For lust is a shameful sin, a crime that should be punished. It is a fire that burns all the way to hell. It would wipe out everything I own."

REFLECTIONS ON TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE(S):

In our Verses for Today, Job finishes up his communication with his three "friends" by saying that he was innocent of lust. It had been assumed that since his life had fallen apart, there must be sin so he felt compelled to proclaim his innocence.

What we should notice is what Job said about lust. (He's not talking about adultery which is the actual act of sexual sin. He's talking about lust which is the sexual sin that takes place inside our minds and hearts when we allow ourselves to be aroused by someone other than our spouse.)

Job calls lust "a shameful sin" and "a crime that should be punished." He is certainly not indifferent to it. He acknowledges that it is a serious sin and should have consequences.

Why?

Because even though lust is hidden in the privacy of our minds and hearts, it is deadly toxic. It is a consuming fire that is never, ever satisfied and will work toward the destruction of the one engaged in it.

If lust is a sin problem for you, ask God to rid you of it. Then, take the necessary steps to eradicate it from your life. Here are just a few ideas:

• In your home, all televisions hooked up to cable, the internet, or any other outside source must remain in public places. Take away the opportunity to view objectionable material in privacy (for instance, no TV's in bedrooms).
• Computers and mobile devices should also be accessed in a public area where others can easily see what sites are being viewed.
• Parents, periodically check the history of your children's phones. 
• Adults, realize that you are not above temptation. Our family uses Covenant Eyes and it logs everything I do on my laptop and mobile device.
• When we lived in Florida, I made it a policy to not wear sunglasses at the beach. Why? Because I knew that my wife couldn't see where my eyes were directed behind the sunglasses and I wanted to be held accountable.

On and on this list could go. But you get the idea. Lust is a temptation to most warm-blooded people so we must take away the opportunity for such a deadly sin. 

The sad part about this sin is that we are told that pornography is a huge problem in our society, especially among men. I believe that Satan is using the sex industry and the human propensity toward the sin of lust to cause so many to live in spiritual defeat. If this is a problem for you, take steps to kill it in your life!

Enjoying God

DAILY BIBLE READING:

Job 28:1–30:31 
2 Corinthians 2:12-17 
Psalm 42:1-11 
Proverbs 22:7

TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE(S):

Psalm 42:1-2 (NLT) "As the deer longs for streams of water, so I long for you, O God. I thirst for God, the living God. When can I go and stand before him?"

REFLECTIONS ON TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE(S):

As we read our Verse for Today, we come to realize something profound - there may be more, much more, to the Christian life than we are presently enjoying.

When we read the words of the Psalmist, we hear him compare his current condition to that of a thirsty deer. That animal cannot help but long for streams of water to satisfy its thirst. It knows that water will meet the deep need of its being.

The Psalmist said that he felt like that. Except that his thirst wasn't physical; it was spiritual. And he wasn't focused on water but on God. He knew that the longing deep in his soul could only be met in relationship with God.

Far too many Christians don't realize that there is a relationship with God that can satisfy their deepest longing. Verses like some of those that follow testify to the fact that there have been guys who did realize this truth...

Exodus 33:18 (NLT) "Moses responded, 'Then show me your glorious presence.'"

Psalm 63:1 (NLT) "O God, you are my God; I earnestly search for you. My soul thirsts for you; my whole body longs for you in this parched and weary land where there is no water."

Isaiah 26:8-9 (NLT) "LORD, we show our trust in you by obeying your laws; our heart’s desire is to glorify your name. In the night I search for you; in the morning I earnestly seek you. For only when you come to judge the earth will people learn what is right."

Philippians 3:8 (NLT) "Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ"

Jeremiah 29:13-14 (NLT) "'If you look for me wholeheartedly, you will find me. I will be found by you,' says the LORD..."

On and on these verses could go. Men and women through the ages have realized that there is so much more to Christianity than simply getting a ticket to Heaven. It is ultimately an invitation to enjoy God in this life and in the life to come.

Are you currently enjoying God so much that your heart is bursting with joy? Then, there is so much more for you to enjoy, friend. Have fun pursuing the God of all creation!

Proverbs and Training Children

DAILY BIBLE READING
Job 23:1–27:23 
2 Corinthians 1:12–2:11 
Psalm 41:1-13 
Proverbs 22:5-6

TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE(S):

Proverbs 22:6 (ESV) "Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it." 

REFLECTIONS ON TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE(S):

I want to bring out two points regarding the Verse for Today:

First, it is an encouragement for parents to actively train their children in the way that they should go. Parents cannot simply delegate that responsibility to others - although too many parents are presently shirking their responsibilities.

If your child is to grow up, leave home, and do well in life, it will be in large part due to your training. So, teach them about the Lord and model what it means to follow Jesus. Observe how God has wired your child and point them in the direction that would be best suited for them.

And when they leave home, pray like you've never prayed before. Because your job isn't done yet.

Second, some people treat this verse like it is true all of the time. They suspect that if they train their child in the way that they should go, then our Verse for Today promises that when they are old they won't depart from it.

However, that isn't necessarily true. While the Word of God is truth, we need to be serious student's of the Bible so as to know how to read the various literary styles (genres).

The book of Proverbs is presented as a book of general truths. They are true ... much of the time.

The classic texts that reveal the previous point are:

Proverbs 26:4-5 (ESV):
"Answer not a fool according to his folly, lest you be like him yourself." 
"Answer a fool according to his folly, lest he be wise in his own eyes." 

If every verse of Proverbs was true all of the time, then the previous two verses would cancel each other out.

But, when we understand that Proverbs is presented as a book of general truths, then we realize that when we read the wisdom found within it, we realize that life tends to happen that way. 

When we arrive back at our Verse for Today, we come to realize that it is generally true that a child will continue in the way that a parent trains him or her. It is a general truth. But, sometimes, godly parents who train their children are heartbroken when that child grows up to rejects their teaching.

But, that's where prayer comes in, parent. Fight on your knees. And don't stop. Pray until they get back on the road to holiness. And then keep praying.

Why do bad things happen

DAILY BIBLE READING:

Job 20:1–22:30 
2 Corinthians 1:1-11 
Psalm 40:11-17 
Proverbs 22:2-4

TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE(S):

2 Corinthians 1:3-4 (NLT) "All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us."

REFLECTIONS ON TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE(S):

If you are following along in The One Year Bible reading program, you are reading through the book of Job. It can be a laborious section of Scripture to read - unless you know why it was written. 

Essentially, Job was written to deal with the problem of why bad things happen. The whole book is an attempt by various people to explain why life gets tough until God steps into the conversation to give the final word and end it.

To be sure, there are a LOT of reasons why bad things happen:

In Job's case, it was a cosmic battle that had little to do with Job. 
Sometimes, it is simply because we live in a broken world.
Sometimes, it is because we are receiving the consequences of our sin or the sin choices of someone else.
Sometimes, it is because we are being disciplined by God for unrepentant sin.
On and on and on we could go.

When we arrive at 2 Corinthians 1:3-4, we realize that whatever the cause for difficulties, there is a benefit. In a world where life gets tough, it is nice to know that we aren't in it alone and that others know what it feels like and can help us in the trial.

That is what our Verse for Today is about. It says that when we go through trials and are comforted by the Lord (in whatever form it takes), then we are able to comfort and help others when they are going through trials, too.

The Lord acknowledges that this it will get tough living in this sin-sick world (John 16:33). But, He is not content to allow us to get overwhelmed by the trials. He wants to comfort us and then to comfort each other in those trials.

APPLICATION:
How can you reach out and receive the Lord's comfort today? (Begin with slow, reflective time in His Word.)

Who can you comfort today that is going through some really tough times?

Heaven is Real

DAILY BIBLE READING:

Job 16:1–19:29 
1 Corinthians 16:1-24 
Psalm 40:1-10 
Proverbs 22:1

TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE(S):

Job 19:25-27 (NLT) "But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and he will stand upon the earth at last. And after my body has decayed, yet in my body I will see God! I will see him for myself. Yes, I will see him with my own eyes. I am overwhelmed at the thought!"

REFLECTIONS ON TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE(S):

As you read the Bible from front to back, you can't help but notice that there is something called Progressive Revelation (even though you may not have known that term).

Progressive Revelation is simply the acknowledgement that many points of theology are introduced in the Old Testament and developed as the Bible writers added to the canon of Scripture. As more books were added, those theological principles were developed as God revealed Himself and His truth more clearly to His people. After Jesus' time on earth and especially as the Apostle Paul wrote his letters, we come to an extremely clear understanding of things that were murky at best to Old Testament saints.

One truth that is developed in the New Testament (1 Corinthians 15) is the eternal purpose for our bodies. God, through the Apostle Paul's quill, made it clear that our earthly bodies will eventually die (be separated from our spirit). Our earthly bodies will then immediately begin to decay. But, there is coming a day when God will supernaturally raise our decayed bodies and turn them into eternal, immortal bodies to be reunited with our spirits.

We need our bodies, after all. Our bodies are a clear sign that we are not made for some spiritual, 'unreal' existence. We are made for planet earth. Our bodies, made of clay, remind us of our connection to the planet upon which we walk (Genesis 2:7). So, it is no surprise that God's plan for our future home includes another earth (Revelation 21:1ff). And we will have physical bodies with which to experience the sights, smells, tastes, sounds, and feelings (touch) of that paradise.

In our Verses for Today, however, we realize that in Job (probably the first biblical book to be written), even early in the Old Testament there was an understanding that Heaven would be a physical place where we will have physical bodies to experience it.

If you just let your mind wander and think about Heaven being a real, physical place (after all, Jesus took His earthly body to Heaven - Acts 1:6-11), Heaven becomes even more attractive to us.

If you want to investigate this topic even more, I would HIGHLY recommend Randy Alcorn's book, "Heaven."

Preparation and God's Blessings

DAILY BIBLE READING:

Job 12:1–15:35 
1 Corinthians 15:29-58 
Psalm 39:1-13 
Proverbs 21:30-31

TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE(S):

Proverbs 21:31 (NLT) "The horse is prepared for the day of battle, but the victory belongs to the LORD."

REFLECTIONS ON TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE(S):

Just as a horse was prepared for battle, so we must prepare for this day if we have any expectation of accomplishing some worthy goals and achieving any victories.

Yet, our preparation does not guarantee success. Our preparation only puts us in a position where we can pray for victory but it does not guarantee us the victory. As the above verse states, "Victory belongs to the LORD."

Just as a farmer would be foolish to pray for a massive harvest if he didn't plant, so would a warrior be a fool who prayed for a victory if he didn't prepare for the battle. It would also be foolish of us to pray for victory this day if we don't prepare. But, just as the farmer and warrior depend upon the Lord to bless their efforts, so must we rely upon the Lord for this day's potential victories.

Essentially, its a partnership. Do your part and God will do His part. But, ultimately, if there is any success, its not because of our preparation - it's because of the Lord's blessings upon our preparation. 

It would only make sense, then, to end this day with a prayer of praise and thanksgiving.

Jesus, fully God and fully man

DAILY BIBLE READING:

Job 8:1–11:20 
1 Corinthians 15:1-28 
Psalm 38:1-22 
Proverbs 21:28-29

TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE(S):

1 Corinthians 15:21-22 (NLT) "So you see, just as death came into the world through a man, now the resurrection from the dead has begun through another man. Just as everyone dies because we all belong to Adam, everyone who belongs to Christ will be given new life."

REFLECTIONS ON TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE(S):

The verses I have chosen as the Verses for Today aren't the fuzzy type that will warm your heart. They are the theological type that will rev up your brain.

However, rather than dive into the depths of these verses (which would require a post the length of a book), let's just skim the surface.

When many Christians read the Gospels and observe Jesus, they see God in the flesh. That is an accurate assessment. Jesus was fully God (John 10:30; John 14:9). While there were rights and privileges that He laid aside when He came to earth (Philippians 2:5-7), He fully maintained His deity.

Yet, it is also true that He was fully man. However, while we also acknowledge that Jesus was fully man, we don't really see Him that way. When we look at Him in the Gospels, we see God with skin on but we just can't see Him as fully human like us (yet without the sin nature). With our flawed view of Jesus' humanity, we struggle to justify things such as how God could get so exhausted that He fell asleep in a boat during a torrential storm (Luke 8:22-25).

Jesus was fully God but He was also fully man.

He was just as much God as if He were not man and He was just as much man as if He were not God. He was fully both!

Why was it necessary for Him to be fully man (and not just God with skin on)? We read the answer to that in our Verses for Today.

1 Corinthians 15:21-22 (NLT) "So you see, just as death came into the world through a man, now the resurrection from the dead has begun through another man. Just as everyone dies because we all belong to Adam, everyone who belongs to Christ will be given new life."

Simply put, since a man (Adam) sinned against God and brought death upon all of his descendants (the whole human race), so another man (Jesus) defeated death at His resurrection and passes on this victory over death to all of His posterity (all who are saved).

What the first man (Adam) lost, the second man (Jesus) regained. Paradise was lost by a man so it had to be regained by a man. 

This is why it isn't simply a good story that Jesus became a man and died for us. It was essential. He had to rightfully gain back what the first man lost.

This conversation could keep going but let me end it by encouraging you to begin looking at Jesus a little differently when you read the Gospels. Continue to recognize Him as fully God but also view Him as fully man. He was human just like you and me (yet without the sin nature). And when you see Jesus as fully man, how he lived his life will become much more fascinating and relevant to you.

How to Stand Strong in Spiritual Warfare

credit: http://courses.generals.org/p/spiritual-warfare

Someone asked me recently what I thought about demon oppression and their influence upon or around us. What I am going to write about this topic may seem a little weird or out of the ordinary to you but I will back much of it up with Scripture.

For starters, I certainly believe in the presence of the demonic. If I had nothing else upon which to base my conviction, I would point to the New Testament and note that Jesus and the Apostles confronted them on multiple occasions.

Two demon possessed men who cut themselves and cowered in a cemetery (Matthew 8:28-34)
A demon possessed man who showed up to church (Mark 1:21-27)
Demons who overpowered wanna-be prophets (Acts 19:13-16)
Etc., etc., etc.

But, I have also experienced their presence firsthand in my own life.

Let me give you a few of my encounters to show that I'm talking about something that I've experienced. And then let me end by saying what a Christian can do to be victorious over the demonic army around them.

A Korean Haunted House?

When I was a toddler, my dad took our family to South Korea to do mission work. My dad was able to get us into a house for a great price ... because it was said to be haunted. 

A banker had owned the house before us and had killed himself inside the two-story residence. It didn't take long after we moved in until our housewives (Korean women who helped clean, cook, take care of children, etc.) left without a notice one after the other.

On one particular morning, my dad heard our front door slam. He looked out the window and saw yet another housewife leaving with luggage in hand. He ran downstairs and asked her why she was leaving. She told him about the unexplainable noises upstairs when we were at church. She also told him about the ghostly figure of a man that stood at the top of the stairs looking down at her. 

There were some really strange and bad things that happened in that house. As I reflect on my memories of that place and the stories that my parents have told me about it, I believe it was because it had a very powerful demonic presence.

Demons Messing with a Church?

There was another time when I was convinced that Satan was getting a foothold in a church I was pastoring. So, I decided it was my privilege and responsibility as the pastor to do something about it. I went into the sanctuary, rolled up my sleeves, and started praying loudly and boldly in the power of Jesus' name. 

During that prayer, a very loud "boom" resonated through the sanctuary. It was as if someone had slammed a large mallet into one of the closed solid doors. I ran to look behind the door. Not only was no one behind the door, there was no one in the entire facility. I remember saying, "Satan, is that all you've got?!" I went back to the sanctuary and prayed with even more energy and courage in Jesus' name.

Demons in a Pastor's Home?

Around that time, Kim called me and said that something was wrong with Joseph. She pleaded with me to come home quickly. 

When I arrived home, I immediately noticed what was wrong - Joseph was as white as a bleached sheet from his neck up. The rest of his body was normal in color, and he wasn't in any distress. But, his face, neck, and ears were completely white. 

Kim placed a frantic call to our pediatrician as I felt a deep impression that this was something else. I knelt down and prayed over my youngest son in Jesus' name. Kim can testify to the fact that as soon as the prayer was over, Joseph's complexion resumed its normal color.

Principles in Being Victorious in Spiritual Warfare

1. You and I have absolutely no authority over the demonic world. Left to ourselves, we would be as helpless as the pitiful sons of Sceva in Acts 19:16. So, never, ever feel proud about what you have done or can do because God may choose to humble you. As a former pastor of mine used to say, "Don't touch the glory."

2. The authority and power rests in Jesus alone. If you are a Christian, "greater is He (Jesus) who is in you than he (Satan) who is in the world" (1 John 4:4). So, the Victor (Jesus) who has ultimately defeated Satan is within you and has now given that authority to you (Luke 10:17-20) if you are a Jesus-follower. (Again, remember that this authority does not originate in us. We simply have access to the authority of Jesus that can only be used in the way in which He desires.)

3. To make Satan flee, simply submit yourself to God (James 4:7). That means that you place yourself completely under His authority. You live in conscience dependence upon Him. You obey His Word and repent of any short-comings.

4. Further, you need to suit up for battle. Put on the pieces of the Christian's armor in prayer (Ephesians 6:10-18). 

5. Again, let's go back to the attribute of humility. Your confidence and victory in the battle doesn't come from you. If you think it does, you will be setting yourself up for defeat. Your confidence and victory comes from Jesus, submitting to God, and putting on the armor that God has provided for you.

6. Finally, the warfare is done with prayer (Mark 9:28-29) and the Word (see Matthew 4:1-11 where Jesus fought off Satan with Bible verses that He had memorized). You may want to quote Scripture and pray out loud just as I did. As long as you know that you are within God's will, use Jesus' name to make it clear that the demons are not welcome and must leave (Acts 16:16-18).


In conclusion, I believe that some Christians are too sensational. They see a demon around every corner. Yet, other Christians don't acknowledge the presence of demons nearly enough. Be careful not to be out of balance in your view. 

But, ultimately, realize that you have no reason to fear the demonic hosts, friend. The One who is in you, if you are a Jesus-follower, is infinitely greater than Satan who is in the world. So, fight from victory. Jesus has already won. Satan is a defeated foe. Just remind him of that when its time to do battle.

A 3-Step Process to Understanding the Bible

DAILY BIBLE READING:

Job 4:1–7:21 

1 Corinthians 14:18-40 

Psalm 37:30-40 

Proverbs 21:27

TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE(S):

Proverbs 21:27 (NLT) "The sacrifice of an evil person is detestable, especially when it is offered with wrong motives."

REFLECTIONS ON TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE(S):

When we read our Verse for Today, we may be tempted to simply write it off as irrelevant. After all, we don't offer sacrifices anymore, right?

So, let's take a moment to talk about the 3-Step Process to Understanding the Bible and then get back to our Verse for Today as we show its relevance.

The Three Step Process to Bible Study

1. Observation - "What does it say?"

The first step in Bible study should be to look at the text as a student or detective. 

Ask it the basic questions: Who, What, When, Where, Why, & How. 

Don't try to look for it's application just yet because you may come to some wrong conclusions. Simply study the text to see what it meant to its original audience. (Hint: If you spend much time and effort in this step, the next two steps should take much less time.)

2. Interpretation - "What does it mean?"

This second step in Bible study is when we take what the passage said to the original audience and lift out the general principles. We look for the overarching truths in the text that could apply to all peoples at all times.

3. Application - "How does it work?"

This final step in Bible study is when we take the first two steps ("What does the passage say?" and "What does the passage mean?") and drop the truth down into our own life.


OK. Let's look back at our Verse for Today and work through these three steps:

1. Observation - "What does it say?"

Proverbs 21:27 (NLT) "The sacrifice of an evil person is detestable, especially when it is offered with wrong motives."

In Solomon's time (the one who compiled this book), sacrificing animals was an act of worship. It was the way God had determined for sin to be dealt with. It was intended to show just how serious and offensive sin was to a holy God. 

Yet, in our verse, it is made clear that offering up a sacrifice for sin wasn't simply a mindless ritual. While sacrifice was God's prescribed way of worship and dealing with sin, God's eyes were also fixed on the worshiper's heart. If they continued to harbor unconfessed sin in their heart or if they had wrong motives, their sacrifice would be detestable to God.

2. Interpretation - "What does it mean?"

Proverbs 21:27 (NLT) "The sacrifice of an evil person is detestable, especially when it is offered with wrong motives."

Animal sacrifices were mandated in the Old Testament. Yet, Jesus' sacrifice of Himself on the cross eradicated the sacrificial system (John 1:29; Hebrews 7:27; 9:24-28; 10:12; 1 Peter 3:18).

So, we need to 'lift' out the general principle found in this verse... 

Since sacrificing was an act of worship to bring the person back into right standing with God, we can substitute "worship" for "sacrifice."

We might even rewrite the verse to show the overarching principle this way: "The worship of an evil person is detestable, especially when it is offered with wrong motives."

3. Application: "How does it work?"

Proverbs 21:27 (NLT) "The sacrifice of an evil person is detestable, especially when it is offered with wrong motives."

When we realize that any act of worship that is offered up by a person who is evil (despises the Lord / His truth) or a person with unresolved sin or with wrong motives, we are prepared to do some serious introspection with application questions.

When I worshiped in church on Sunday, was I appearing holy to those around me while I know good and well that I was harboring anger in my heart toward someone who offended me? If so, my worship is not pleasing to the Lord and I must confess it as sin and seek to make it right very soon.

When I live this day (I should worship every moment of every day), am I trying to point others to Jesus with how I live my life or do I simply want them to be impressed with my perceived spiritual maturity? If my motives are impure, then my worship is not pleasing to the Lord and I must adjust them quickly.

On and on we could go with application questions but you get the idea. 

So, when you approach God's Word, use this three step method to find out what God is saying to you. Spend MUCH time observing the text to find out what it says; then look for the overarching, general principles; and then you will be prepared to apply the truth to your life.

God's love and our tragedies

DAILY BIBLE READING:

Job 1:1–3:26 
1 Corinthians 14:1-17 
Psalm 37:12-29 
Proverbs 21:25-26

TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE(S):

Job 1:8 (NLT) "Then the LORD asked Satan, 'Have you noticed my servant Job? He is the finest man in all the earth. He is blameless—a man of complete integrity. He fears God and stays away from evil.' "

REFLECTIONS ON TODAY'S BIBLE VERSE(S):

In American Christianity, so many that claim that they are opposed to the Health & Wealth Gospel actually believe it. When something good happens to them, they immediately assume that God is blessing them. When something bad happens, they feel like an injustice has occurred. "God, I've been faithfully serving You and this bad thing has happened to me. Why?!"

Fortunately, we have the Bible to correct our erroneous thinking. And if God's Word said nothing else about the subject, the book of Job is sufficient.

The book of Job essentially deals with the topic of suffering in a messed up world. By the end of chapter 1, we read that Job had lost his livelihood and all of his children had been killed.

If that happened to you or me, we would immediately ask the question: "God, what have I done to deserve this?" That question assumes that God will give good things to those who faithfully follow Him and He will allow bad things to come to those who are not following Him. (In other words, the false beliefs of the Health & Wealth Gospel.)

But, all we need to do is read Job 1:8 (and Job 2:3 where God essentially repeats Himself) to see that sin did not bring on Job's tragedy. It wasn't because he was out of favor with God. God wasn't angry at him or disappointed in him.

None of the above things were true. The truth is that God was thoroughly pleased with Job and proud of him!

Job 1:8 (NLT) "Then the LORD asked Satan, 'Have you noticed my servant Job? He is the finest man in all the earth. He is blameless—a man of complete integrity. He fears God and stays away from evil.' "

Essentially, there was a cosmic battle taking place. Satan wanted to demonstrate that God's followers were weak and would quickly abandon Him if their life got tough. God presented Job to Satan as a trophy and as proof that his followers wouldn't quickly abandon Him.

So, Job's horrible troubles weren't because of sin or God's displeasure. No! Job's troubles actually came about ... because God was very pleased with him and proud of him!

Friend, when bad things happen to you, it would be appropriate to do a self-assessment. Ask the Holy Spirit to search your mind and heart to reveal any hidden sins that may have brought on God's discipline (Psalm 139:23-24). 

But, if there is no known sin, then don't continue to assume that the bad thing(s) is evidence of God's displeasure with you. In fact, Job's example reveals that there will be times when God allows troubles into the life of those who are thoroughly pleasing to Him. 

In those times, don't waste your energy questioning Him. Just focus on passing the test. Keep your eyes on Him, strive for wholehearted obedience, and immediately repent of any shortcoming as you receive the grace and forgiveness to get back up and keep on going.