Eagles in Leadership: Transformed! Podcast » Bible Reading

Jeremiah: God’s Message of the Coming Babylonian Invasion to the Defiant Nation of Israel!

DrMattPhD — Thu, 18 Aug 2011 11:09:57 +0000

Artwork Credit: seekingyahweh.wordpress.com

Editor’s Note: We continue our series of blogs for those who are reading the Bible with us cover-to-cover this year. Interspersed with our thoughts on our daily reading, we want to provide some tips about reading the Bible in general.

Jeremiah, God’s Message of the Coming Babylonian Invasion to the Defiant Nation of Israel!

Have you ever told someone that what he or she was doing was going to end badly, but they refused to listen? Maybe you were talking to your kids, your friends or someone at work. No matter how much you encouraged them to think reasonably, they refused. And then, it happened … the disaster or crisis you predicted. And they seemed to be surprised!

That is exactly what is happening in the book of Jeremiah. Written over the last four decades of Israel’s national life, God instructs Jeremiah time and again to speak to the power brokers and the politicians of his day. The message is quite simple: If you don’t change your ways and live like the Lord God Almighty has already prescribed for you in the Law (Genesis – Deuteronomy), then the nation would be conquered by the Babylonians and the people would be carried off into captivity.

It is amazing how alike things can be, despite there being almost 26 centuries between us and these accounts. Politicians of that day didn’t listen to the religious leader Jeremiah. Are you shocked? You shouldn’t be!

Despite God’s warnings through his messenger – the Prophet Jeremiah to five administrations (Kings Josiah, Jehoahaz, Jehoiakim, Jehoiachin and Zedekiah), the nation continued to worship God with lip service but live their lives like He didn’t exist.

You can capture the heart of God, his love, frustration and disappointment as you read passages like this:

First, take note the six-fold mission of Jeremiah, given to him by God Himself!

“Then the Lord put out his hand and touched my mouth. And the Lord said to me, “Behold, I have put my words in your mouth. See, I have set you this day over nations and over kingdoms, to pluck up and to break down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant.” (Jeremiah 1:9–10, ESV)

Note the abundance of words that denote the “removal” of the current before the planting of the future can occur. This mission was set to create conflict from it’s inception!

Second, God sends Jeremiah to interrogate the people of Israel about their lack of loyalty, wanting to know what He has done to bring about their abandonment. (Jeremiah 2)

God is clearly upset and wants to get to the bottom of this relational break-up. Listen as He questions …

“Hear the word of the Lord, O house of Jacob, and all the clans of the house of Israel. Thus says the Lord: “What wrong did your fathers find in me that they went far from me, and went after worthlessness, and became worthless?” (Jeremiah 2:4–5, ESV)

It’s obvious the heart of God is broken deeply, for many times He cries out for Israel’s return to Him, using the marriage metaphor to describe their relational troubles. (Jeremiah 3)

“If a man divorces his wife and she goes from him and becomes another man’s wife, will he return to her? Would not that land be greatly polluted? You have played the whore with many lovers; and would you return to me? declares the Lord. Lift up your eyes to the bare heights, and see! Where have you not been ravished? By the waysides you have sat awaiting lovers like an Arab in the wilderness. You have polluted the land with your vile whoredom. Therefore the showers have been withheld, and the spring rain has not come; yet you have the forehead of a whore; you refuse to be ashamed. Have you not just now called to me, ‘My father, you are the friend of my youth— will he be angry forever, will he be indignant to the end?’ Behold, you have spoken, but you have done all the evil that you could.” (Jeremiah 3:1–5, ESV)

God longs for resolution and makes generous offers of forgiveness for those who will be sincere in returning – despite the level of abandonment and injury that He has experienced at Israel’s expense already. (Jeremiah 4)

“If you return, O Israel, declares the Lord, to me you should return. If you remove your detestable things from my presence, and do not waver, and if you swear, ‘As the Lord lives,’ in truth, in justice, and in righteousness, then nations shall bless themselves in him, and in him shall they glory.” For thus says the Lord to the men of Judah and Jerusalem: “Break up your fallow ground, and sow not among thorns. Circumcise yourselves to the Lord; remove the foreskin of your hearts, O men of Judah and inhabitants of Jerusalem; lest my wrath go forth like fire, and burn with none to quench it, because of the evil of your deeds.” (Jeremiah 4:1–4, ESV)

Again and again throughout this compilation of messages, arranged to express and explain the heart of God through forty years of consistent urgings, one central truth reverberates: God loves you so much that He will wait until your grandchildren reach out to Him and He will bless them with the blessing He had reserved for you, if you choose to refuse Him!

““For thus says the Lord: When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will visit you, and I will fulfill to you my promise and bring you back to this place. For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you, declares the Lord, and I will restore your fortunes and gather you from all the nations and all the places where I have driven you, declares the Lord, and I will bring you back to the place from which I sent you into exile.” (Jeremiah 29:10–14, ESV)

Jeremiah is the last attempt by God to bring His wayward children back to His love and care. As you read it, remember their refusal broke Jeremiah’s heart as well and often he wept until there were no more tears. Thus is the heart of God and His messengers to rebellious, stubborn people.

It is our hope that this background information helps a bit as you read on in the Bible.

For daily insights into the passage we are reading together each day, you can follow Dr. Smith on Twitter and on Facebook.

You can obtain more help from the FREE Bible reading schedule on our resource page. In His Image is a daily devotional that also follows our reading schedule and expresses the Biblical truth: “God Created You to Love You.” You can find this resource on the side bar of our website.

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The world around us changes approximately every 18 months! Such change brings great challenges to our mission. Eagles In Leadership has designed a weekend to help you energize your congregation or organization to fulfill the Great Commission in your community. You can bring this weekend to your church or organization!

The weekend revolves around four key messages:

Help! My Community Is Changing!
What’s Your Dream for Your Church? (And How Do You Reach It?)
Healthy Churches Grow!
Reaching Your Community In Your Generation! (It’s All About the Mission!)

You can learn more here.

Isaiah: God’s Condemnation and Consolation to the Nation of Israel When They Reject His Guidance!

DrMattPhD — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 11:09:51 +0000

Artwork Credit: biblestudy.pppst.com

Isaiah: God’s Condemnation and Consolation to the Nation of Israel When They Reject His Guidance!

God loves His people! God loves you! Consider this never-ending truth:

“I have loved you with an everlasting love;

therefore I have continued my faithfulness to you. ”

(Jeremiah 31:3, ESV)

This is the message of all of the Bible, and especially the book of Isaiah. As the father of a rebellious teenager, God is trying to bring His people back to a path that will avoid their certain injury and destruction.

Reading through these compiled messages to the nation over three to four decades, God speaks through Isaiah, one of the men of God at that time. His messages are pointed and repeated. There is one path to abundance in life and another to destruction and death. How God longs for His people to choose life and do a u-turn from their present course.

Since the nation is a theocracy (a God-run nation through a king), many of the messages are addressed to the leadership of the nation – namely the king, his advisors and influencers. Israel is not singled out in this book though. God also addresses other nations and their leaders with messages as well. This reminds us that the love of God has always been a global-love, one that has sought to bring the leadership and love of God to all humanity!

As you read through the book, you will see these compiled messages are broken into three distinct sections:

First, God is addressing His rebellious covenant people before it’s too late! (Isaiah 1-39)

As you read through this large section, you will see how the people of God have chosen the world over God – the cravings to be like their culture over the calling to be like the character of their God. Isaiah walks onto the scene and willingly volunteers for the mission of God (Isaiah 6), not knowing what it will involve.

As God works through the message and messenger, he seeks to bring them back to a lifestyle of purity, one that radiates the wisdom and blessing of God’s path. Unfortunately, like most of history teaches us, the majority takes Israel to disaster. Some return to God and enjoy His kindnesses. However, the nation fails to respond and is taken into captivity by Babylon 150 years later. The message of God can be summed up in these words …

“For thus said the Lord God, the Holy One of Israel, “In returning and rest you shall be saved; in quietness and in trust shall be your strength.” But you were unwilling! ” (Isaiah 30:15, ESV)

Second, God is addressing His rebellious covenant people after it’s too late! (Isaiah 40-55)

Isaiah speaks of the impending captivity from God’s perspective – as one who sees all of time. Thus, for God, the captivity is inevitable. Isaiah gives God’s heart-felt messages of love and compassion to the people who will be in exile. He aches with His captured and demoralized people. Note there is no shame or brow-beating here. Just messages of love and caring instruction flow from God. God never wants His children to suffer – that’s why He gives them His path to follow, the path of life and abundance. God’s hope of rescue and return can be heard in these words …

“And the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken.” ” (Isaiah 40:5, ESV)

Finally, God is addressing His covenant people of all times before the end of times! (Isaiah 56-66)

Ultimately, this compilation of messages ends with a section to all who trust God’s love and live out His will. You will find these chapters filled with instructions on how to live in preparation for our coming life with Messiah (Jesus Christ), when He is ruling and reigning over the world from Jerusalem. The summary of this life in Messiah is expressed in these words …

“Thus says the Lord: “Keep justice, and do righteousness, for soon my salvation will come, and my deliverance be revealed. ” (Isaiah 56:1, ESV)

Isaiah reminds us time and again that we are citizens of a different world, led by a different Lord, the King of glory who gave His life to remove our failures and bring us into abundant life with God: ““Seek the Lord while he may be found; call upon him while he is near; let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; let him return to the Lord, that he may have compassion on him, and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon. ” (Isaiah 55:6–7, ESV)

It is our hope that this background information helps a bit as you read on in the Bible.

For daily insights into the passage we are reading together each day, you can follow Dr. Smith on Twitter and on Facebook.

======

Host a Reaching Your Community In Your Generation Seminar!

The weekend revolves around four key messages:

Help! My Community Is Changing!
What’s Your Dream for Your Church? (And How Do You Reach It?)
Healthy Churches Grow!
Reaching Your Community In Your Generation! (It’s All About the Mission!)

You can learn more here.

Route No. 4: Listening to God’s Warnings Through His Messengers!

DrMattPhD — Mon, 01 Aug 2011 11:09:55 +0000

Artwork Credit: kaneva.com

Route No. 4: Listening to God’s Warnings Through His Messengers!

Continuing our journey through the Word of God, we will explore how God tried to guide Israel on the easiest path he could provide for their lives during their history. God’s messengers here are his prophets. Although they do not originate their messages, they did deliver them with passion for God. The primary focus of each of these messengers is the nation of Israel. Often those messages are not received well, and just as often the messenger is abused or killed for delivering the message of guidance from God. This may be where the phrase “Don’t shoot the messenger” found its earliest origins. We will explore each message in more detail as we proceed. For now, consider:

The book of Isaiah, God’s condemnation and consolation to the nation of Israel when they reject his guidance.
The book of Jeremiah, God’s message of the coming Babylonian invasion to the defiant nation of Israel.
The book of Lamentations, God’s funeral for the capital city of Jerusalem.
The book of Ezekiel, God’s desire for his people him know him, despite their rejection and defiance of him.
The book of Daniel, God’s future plans for his captive people and for the world until the end of time.

Embarking on this section of the Bible often stops many in their tracks. All they can see are messages of discipline. However, when you see discipline, remember this truth about God found in these two verses from the New Testament: “For the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and chastises every son whom he receives.” (Hebrews 12:6, ESV) “Those whom I love, I reprove and discipline, so be zealous and repent.” (Revelation 3:19, ESV)

It is our hope that this background information helps a bit as you read on in the Bible.

For daily insights into the passage we are reading together each day, you can follow Dr. Smith on Twitter and on Facebook.

======

Host a Reaching Your Community In Your Generation Seminar!

The weekend revolves around four key messages:

Help! My Community Is Changing!
What’s Your Dream for Your Church? (And How Do You Reach It?)
Healthy Churches Grow!
Reaching Your Community In Your Generation! (It’s All About the Mission!)

You can learn more here.

Song of Solomon: Warmed by a Love Song of Marriage!

DrMattPhD — Sun, 31 Jul 2011 18:06:33 +0000

Artwork Credit: agapeworldwide.wordpress.com

Song of Solomon: Warmed by a Love Song of Marriage!

Wrapping up Route 3, we come to the Bible book on the love and sex life of the married couple. Often people are surprised by the open treatment of the gift of sex in the Bible. Many forget sex was God’s idea – He created it! And while sex is a part of the married life of a man and a women, it is glorious and wonderful.

We would be remiss if we forgot the lessons found in the book of Proverbs, which we have recently read. Among them, we discover:

Adultery is to be avoided is you are seeking wisdom. (Proverbs 2:16)
When adultery is committed, it yields 4 unchangeable consequences. (Proverbs 2:18-19)
Being sexually active apart from one’s spouse follows 6 consequences of the one who seduces you with folly. (Proverbs 5:3-6; 9:13-18)
12 personal losses can happen to the person who is sexually active apart from their spouse. (Proverbs 5:7-14)
Many are the sexual benefits that come to a loyal married couple. (Proverbs 5:15-19)
The Lord himself watches adultery! (Proverbs 5:20-21)
The sexually active, apart from their spouse will die for lack of discipline! (Proverbs 5:22-23; 7:21-27)
Those who disregard their parent’s teaching are sexually active apart from their spouse. (Proverbs 6:23-24; 7:1-5)
Adultery is committed by a senseless person and can bring 11 consequences! (Proverbs 6:25-35; 7:6-9)
A prostitute is wily of heart, loud, wayward and forward. (Proverbs 7:10-13)

With this foundation firmly in place, we understand that sex can be a terrible master when experienced apart from the loyalty of a relationship between one man and woman who are married.

Song of Solomon shows us the joys and thrills of love and sex when it is found in a faithful relationship. The book is more like a play, with parts designated to the specific actors on the stage. At the center of this story is the relationship of Solomon and his Shulammite wife. From this love story we discover …

The passion of desire between a married woman and her husband. (Song 1:2; 2:8-17; 3:1-5; 5:11-12; 7:10; 8:14)

The adoration between a husband and his wife is constantly expressed. (Song 1:8, 12-16; 5:2-8; 8:6-7; 8:13)

Sexual intimacy is a constant passion in the loving married couple! (Song 1:16-17; 2:3, 6; 4:16 – 5:1; 7:6-9; 8:3)

The physical attraction of a man and wife in marriage is strong and virile! (Song 4:1-16; 5:10-16; 6:4-10; 7:1-9; 8:10)

The importance of getting away for time alone to keep the marriage passionate and romantic. (Song 4:8; 6:2-3; 7:11-13)

Reading through the Song of Solomon reminds us of God’s intention: “Let your fountain be blessed, and rejoice in the wife of your youth, a lovely deer, a graceful doe. Let her breasts fill you at all times with delight; be intoxicated always in her love.” (Proverbs 5:18–19, ESV)

It is our hope that this background information helps a bit as you read on in the Bible.

For daily insights into the passage we are reading together each day, you can follow Dr. Smith on Twitter and on Facebook.

======

Host a Reaching Your Community In Your Generation Seminar!

The weekend revolves around four key messages:

Help! My Community Is Changing!
What’s Your Dream for Your Church? (And How Do You Reach It?)
Healthy Churches Grow!
Reaching Your Community In Your Generation! (It’s All About the Mission!)

You can learn more here.

Ecclesiastes: Understanding the Futility of a Life Lived for Self

DrMattPhD — Fri, 29 Jul 2011 00:36:18 +0000

Artwork Credit: foundationsforfreedom.net

Ecclesiastes: Understanding the Futility of a Life Lived for Self

Selfishness is an all-consuming, all crushing pursuit. When one comes to the end of a journey lived for self they find themselves alone. Perhaps they are surrounded by all the things they hoped for, perhaps not. Yet, one can be sure that the end of such a life is lonely, empty and ultimately of no eternal profit.

Most people agree that the writer of this book is Solomon, King of Israel. It is quite possible that the book was written towards the end of his life, at a time when he realizes his failures during the last two decades of his reign.

Whatever the circumstances of this book’s creation, there is little confusion about the purpose. Solomon writes this book to share the lessons he has learned as the richest king on the planet. Nothing has been withheld from him and he withheld nothing from himself.

As an explorer of life’s purposes and meaning, Solomon comes to a singular conclusion, which he repeats several times within the pages of this scientific journal chronicling the experimentation phase of his life:

Enjoy the life God has given you with great passion!

“There is nothing better for a person than that he should eat and drink and find enjoyment in his toil. This also, I saw, is from the hand of God, for apart from him who can eat or who can have enjoyment? For to the one who pleases him God has given wisdom and knowledge and joy, but to the sinner he has given the business of gathering and collecting, only to give to one who pleases God. This also is vanity and a striving after wind.” (Ecclesiastes 2:24–26, ESV)

Enjoy the work God has given you with great joy!

“So I saw that there is nothing better than that a man should rejoice in his work, for that is his lot. Who can bring him to see what will be after him?” (Ecclesiastes 3:22, ESV)

Enjoy the gift of life and work God has given you with total acceptance!

“Behold, what I have seen to be good and fitting is to eat and drink and find enjoyment in all the toil with which one toils under the sun the few days of his life that God has given him, for this is his lot. Everyone also to whom God has given wealth and possessions and power to enjoy them, and to accept his lot and rejoice in his toil—this is the gift of God. For he will not much remember the days of his life because God keeps him occupied with joy in his heart.” (Ecclesiastes 5:18–20, ESV)

Enjoy the food and life God has given you with continual intensity!

“And I commend joy, for man has no good thing under the sun but to eat and drink and be joyful, for this will go with him in his toil through the days of his life that God has given him under the sun.” (Ecclesiastes 8:15, ESV)

Enjoy the life God has given you with the wife whom you love with dedicated might!

“Enjoy life with the wife whom you love, all the days of your vain life that he has given you under the sun, because that is your portion in life and in your toil at which you toil under the sun. Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might, for there is no work or thought or knowledge or wisdom in Sheol, to which you are going.” (Ecclesiastes 9:9–10, ESV)

Fear God and keep his commands all the days of your joy-filled life!

“The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.” (Ecclesiastes 12:13–14, ESV)

While Solomon states that a life lived on earth for self is “vanity” he reminds us of one consistent truth: God wants you to enjoy the life he gives you, the work he sets before you and the people with whom he surrounds you!

It is our hope that this background information helps a bit as you read on in the Bible.

For daily insights into the passage we are reading together each day, you can follow Dr. Smith on Twitter and on Facebook.

======

Host a Reaching Your Community In Your Generation Seminar!

The weekend revolves around four key messages:

Help! My Community Is Changing!
What’s Your Dream for Your Church? (And How Do You Reach It?)
Healthy Churches Grow!
Reaching Your Community In Your Generation! (It’s All About the Mission!)

You can learn more here.

Proverbs – Becoming a Virtuous Wife (Proverbs 31:10-31)

DrMattPhD — Sun, 24 Jul 2011 11:09:34 +0000

Artwork Credit: lacy.obeyingthetruth.com

Proverbs – Becoming a Virtuous Wife (Proverbs 31:10-31)

As we wrap up the book of Proverbs we come to one of the mist exciting passages in the Old Testament. While many speak of the denigration of women in Bible times, this passage shows us that when that happened, it was NOT God’s will or desire.

As we look carefully into the virtues of this ancient woman, we see many of the desires of their contemporary counterparts – and a lesson for husbands as well. The Biblical term for this position is “home manager,” but do not look at that disparagingly. It is obvious to any, except perhaps the casual or bigoted observer, that this position was one of great power and authority!

In Biblical days it was “all hands on deck” to bring about the prosperity and dominion of the family. Rightly understood, the husband would work with his partner to extend their profits and prospects. This meant giving the virtuous woman the “keys to their kingdom,” allowing her to do what today would seem unheard of in the normal marriage! Consider the “careers” of this model woman, from the Old Testament book of Proverbs – the book of wisdom – and learn, if you will from them for your own prosperity and dominion in your community! She was …

A trusted partner in the family business! (31:11)
A commodity broker! (31:13)
A manual laborer! (31:13)
An importer of goods! (31:14)
A 5-star chef! (31:15)
An employer and staff manager! (31:15)
A realtor! (31:16)
An investor! (31:16)
A fitness enthusiast! (31:17)
A retailer! (31:18)
A clothier! (31:19, 24)
A philanthropist! (31:20)
A woman of wealth! (31:21-22)
A political aid! (31:23)
A valued counselor! (31:25-26)
A hard-working C. O. O.! (31:27)
A blessed mother! (31:28)
A praised wife! (31:29)
A godly woman! (31:30)
A community leader! (31:31)

After you recover from the impact of these realities, one this is for sure: Those who place women as second-class citizens through their faith, are truly misguided and mistaken as to their potential and possibility as joint-heirs of all God longs to provide for them!

It is our hope that this background information helps a bit as you read on in the Bible.

For daily insights into the passage we are reading together each day, you can follow Dr. Smith on Twitter and on Facebook.

======

Host a Reaching Your Community In Your Generation Seminar!

The weekend revolves around four key messages:

Help! My Community Is Changing!
What’s Your Dream for Your Church? (And How Do You Reach It?)
Healthy Churches Grow!
Reaching Your Community In Your Generation! (It’s All About the Mission!)

You can learn more here.

Proverbs – Real Life Lessons from Solomon and Others! (Proverbs 10 – 31)

DrMattPhD — Fri, 22 Jul 2011 11:09:00 +0000

Artwork Credit: deskofbrian.com

Proverbs – Real Life Lessons from Solomon and Others! (Proverbs 10 – 31)

As we wade deeper into the book of Proverbs we see that wisdom is the “make or break” issue of real life. In fact, as you read through the parenting manual for Solomon’s sons, you can see how this is true. How many people – perhaps even you – have been damaged and wrecked by the issues we have already studied?

As we transition to a compilation of wise sayings by Solomon and others, we discover some incredibly valuable nuggets for every-day, real life. Some are diagnostic (you can discern the truth about yourself or another), some are exemplary (you can learn a lot before you make that decision or choice) and even others are prescriptive (you should take these to heart like the medicine your doctor issues to you). Among them, don’t miss these …

The fear of the Lord prolongs your life! (Proverbs 10:27)
You can tell a lot about a person’s character by their expectations! (Proverbs 11:23)
The definition of stupidity! (Proverbs 12:1)
The cause of depression! (Proverbs 12:25)
Those closest to me determine my level of success! (Proverbs 13:20)
Happiness is gained when we are merciful to the real poor! (Proverbs 14:21)
The spirit of a person is broken when the words you speak are perverse and when there is sorrow in the heart! (Proverbs 15:4, 13)
The trials of life are God’s examinations of our hearts! (Proverbs 17:3)
Selfishness is demonstrated by isolation! (Proverbs 18:1)
The secret to getting into the presence of famous people! (Proverbs 18:16)
Too much sleep leads to poverty! (Proverbs 20:13)
Riches, honor and life are gained by humility and the fear of the Lord! (Proverbs 22:4)
Gluttony and drunkenness are the same sins leading to the same end in life: poverty! (Proverbs 23:19-21)
“If you faint in the day of adversity, your strength is small!” (Proverbs 24:10)
How to allow God to pour out His wrath on your enemy! (Proverbs 24:17-18)
Backbiters can be seen by their angry countenance! (Proverbs 25:23)
How to receive mercy from God! (Proverbs 28:13-14)
“The leech has two daughters – Give and Give!” (Proverbs 30:15)

In each of these chapters, we realize a central truth: True faith lives out God’s wisdom in real life situations 24 hours a day, seven days a week!

It is our hope that this background information helps a bit as you read on in the Bible.

For daily insights into the passage we are reading together each day, you can follow Dr. Smith on Twitter and on Facebook.

======

Host a Reaching Your Community In Your Generation Seminar!

The weekend revolves around four key messages:

Help! My Community Is Changing!
What’s Your Dream for Your Church? (And How Do You Reach It?)
Healthy Churches Grow!
Reaching Your Community In Your Generation! (It’s All About the Mission!)

You can learn more here.

Proverbs – God’s Real Life Instruction Manual For Raising Children!

DrMattPhD — Thu, 21 Jul 2011 01:05:58 +0000

Artwork Credit: http://www.squidoo.com

Proverbs – God’s Real Life Instruction Manual For Raising Children!

Venturing into the book of Proverbs is so much different than anything we have read so far on our journey through the Bible. Wisdom is the issue and pithy sayings are the delivery vehicle for that real life instruction.

The book can easily be broken into three pieces as follows:

A Parenting Manual from Solomon (Proverbs 1-9)
Real Life Lessons from Solomon and Others (Proverbs 10 – 31:9)
Becoming a Virtuous Wife (Proverbs 31:10-31)

We will speak of each of these sections in more detail in the days to come. For the moment, let’s explore the Parenting Manual of Solomon as he raised his son, Rehoboam. Solomon sought to teach Rehoboam 10 key ideas through these small sayings. Here they are …

Beware the enticements against your parent’s instruction in order to avoid personal injury or worse. (Proverbs 1)
Understand the encouragements and punishments of wisdom in order to enjoy ease and security. (Proverbs 1)
Grasp the value and purpose of wisdom for stability and security. (Proverbs 2)
Enjoy the benefits of wisdom that lead to abundant happiness. (Proverbs 3)
Give attention to the sayings of wisdom for they are your life. (Proverbs 4)
Avoid the perils of adultery and immorality to prevent your total ruin. (Proverbs 5
Hate the foolishness of expecting something you haven’t worked for lest you find yourself destitute. (Proverbs 6)
Apply the words of wisdom in order to avoid the snares of death. (Proverbs 7)
Thrive with the companions of wisdom, enjoying the favor of the Lord. (Proverbs 8 )
Contrast the end results of the wise and foolish to enjoy a long life. (Proverbs 9)

Deep and meaty, these sayings show us that: Real life can be abundant when we choose to live by the experiences and life-lessons of those who have gone before us.

It is our hope that this background information helps a bit as you read on in the Bible.

When All Seems Lost! (Psalm 74:18-23)

DrMattPhD — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 22:08:26 +0000

Photo Credit: medicaltipsinfo.blogspot.com

You probably know the feeling – life was supposed to turn out differently, but it didn’t. You thought God would rescue you, but he hasn’t. You know the dire hopelessness as God has stopped speaking and no one seems to be able to tell you how long the situation will continue. Friends and family without Christ scoff at the idea that there is a God who cares when they talk with you about your situation and they revile God’s name constantly in your presence.

Asaph understood what you feel. After the Temple of Solomon has been destroyed he penned this prayer in Psalm 74 to appeal to God. He was desperate as well. His prayer is a great example to all of us when all seems lost.

When all seems lost, in prayer appeal to …

God’s reputation (the enemy scoffs at God’s name) v. 18
God’s people (the psalmist calls them “your dove” and “your poor”) v. 19
God’s covenant (“have regard for your covenant”) v. 20
God’s poor (called “downtrodden” and “poor and needy”) v. 21
God’s cause (“Arise, O God, defend your cause”) v. 22
God’s enemies (“Don’t forget the clamor of your foes, the uproar of those who rise against you”) v. 23

Perhaps you need a little help to “flesh out” how you would pray this prayer. Let me give you a real-life example to consider:

Dear Lord, you know we have been unemployed for a long time and finances are gone. All seems lost, and even our friends say, “Our prayers don’t seem to be working.” Your reputation is at stake. Remember us, your children by faith. Have regard for the covenant with Jesus. You have said You would “never leave us or forsake us” (Hebrews 13:5). We are nearly at the end of ourselves, without resources and in need. Arise, Lord, defend your cause in our lives. Don’t allow your enemies to laugh at You and claim your inability or non-existence. Rescue us quickly Lord, In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If all seems lost, cry out to Jesus for his help and don’t stop trusting. In reality, he is moving the pieces of life around and soon he will rescue you! And if he doesn’t, your reward in eternity will be great!

That’s my take, and I would love to hear yours. Please feel free to comment below.

Psalms: God is the center of life and the central joy of life! (Book 5)

DrMattPhD — Fri, 15 Jul 2011 11:09:56 +0000

Artwork Credit: foundationsforfreedom.net

Psalms: God is the center of life and the central joy of life! (Book 5)

The Psalms are, in reality, the words to the praise and worship songs of the long ago nation of Israel. We are asking you to imagine these lyrics as the power point slides or the song sheets handed out to those who come to sing praise to God each weekend.

Book 5 – Psalms 107-150 wrap this collection of worship songs up with the strong vocalization of God’s worth. From a several more songs from King David (Psalm 108-110; 138-145), to a series of songs pilgrims would sing on the way up the mountain road to Jerusalem to the longest psalm about the glories of the words of the King of kings (Psalm 119), to five “Hallelujah” (Literally: Praise God!) psalms (Psalm 146-150), Book 5 leaves the reader / worshipper with little doubt that God is the center of life and the central joy of life as well.

Praise is transforming! For the people of Israel, humiliated and downcast over the conquest of their nation and their internment in a foreign land, these songs of worship sought to lift and focus them on the greatness of God’s steadfast love. As these words sank deep into the DNA of these discouraged peoples, the strong encouragement to their return to the will and words of God as a lifestyle would be felt. A turn around – literally, turning back – to an intimate, real and passionate relationship with God would be the intended result of these praise songs.

As you read, be sure not to miss …

The call to seek God when in distress and to thank him when he delivers, as in Psalm 107.
The certainty of the coming of Messiah (the World-Wide Ruling King, a descendant of David), as in Psalm 110.
The futility of idols and the faithfulness of God, as expressed in Psalm 115.
The value and practicality of a life lived in harmony with the words of God as revealed in the Law (Genesis – Deuteronomy), as in Psalm 119.
The joy of entering into God’s presence at the Temple by singing as you traveled up the mountains to Jerusalem as expressed in Psalms 120-134.
The mercy of God, which endures forever, as repeated after every line of the song in Psalm 136.
The unfathomable knowledge of humanity by God concerning our every movement, thought or work, as in Psalm 139.
The happiness of God which surrounds those who have been delivered by this all-powerful God, as in Psalm 144.
The praise of God through every means possible so that God’s name and fame may be known by all, as in Psalm 150.

No matter the depths of despair and difficulty, this volume of praise songs causes us to understand: God is able and willing to deliver us from any and all of our most dire circumstances if we will but draw close to him and trust his steadfast love.

It is our hope that this background information helps a bit as you read on in the Bible.

For daily insights into the passage we are reading together each day, you can follow Dr. Smith on Twitter and on Facebook.

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Psalms: God Has Always Been on the Throne and He Still Reigns! (Book 4)

DrMattPhD — Mon, 11 Jul 2011 11:09:24 +0000

Artwork Credit: gracewalkministries.blogspot.com

Psalms: God has always been on the throne and He still reigns! (Book 4)

We continue to state that the Psalms are, in reality, the words to the praise and worship songs of the long ago nation of Israel. We are asking you to imagine these lyrics as the power point slides or the song sheets handed out to those who come to sing praise to God each weekend.

Vibrant worship demonstrates our faith in the existence and involvement of our compassionate Lord God.

As we move into Book 4, Psalms 90-106 scream out the truth, “God has always been on the throne and He still reigns!” Hope begins to break forth into a blazing sunrise as the worshipper responds to this age-old truth: God is King – period. Consider this as the theme of this passage …

“Let the heavens praise your wonders, O Lord, your faithfulness in the assembly of the holy ones! For who in the skies can be compared to the Lord? Who among the heavenly beings is like the Lord, a God greatly to be feared in the council of the holy ones, and awesome above all who are around him? O Lord God of hosts, who is mighty as you are, O Lord, with your faithfulness all around you?” (Psalm 89:5–8, ESV)

This book, Psalms 90-106, reverberates with the triumph and power of our Almighty God …

Consider this statement by Moses expressing the eternality of God in Psalm 90:

“For a thousand years in your sight are but as yesterday when it is past, or as a watch in the night. ” (Psalm 90:4, ESV)

Hear the strength of the Psalmist’s conviction concerning the rule of God in Psalm 93:

“The Lord reigns; he is robed in majesty; the Lord is robed; he has put on strength as his belt. Yes, the world is established; it shall never be moved. Your throne is established from of old; you are from everlasting. ” (Psalm 93:1–2, ESV)

Listen at the Psalmist declares that there are no other gods above our God, who is King above all gods in Psalm 95:

“Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation! Let us come into his presence with thanksgiving; let us make a joyful noise to him with songs of praise! For the Lord is a great God, and a great King above all gods. ” (Psalm 95:1–3, ESV)

Rejoice in the reality that our God saves us from eternal destruction and real life’s situations with the Psalmist in Psalm 98:

“Oh sing to the Lord a new song, for he has done marvelous things! His right hand and his holy arm have worked salvation for him. The Lord has made known his salvation; he has revealed his righteousness in the sight of the nations. He has remembered his steadfast love and faithfulness to the house of Israel. All the ends of the earth have seen the salvation of our God. ” (Psalm 98:1–3, ESV)

Worship God as the Creator of the universe as described by the Psalmist in Psalm 104:

“Bless the Lord, O my soul! O Lord my God, you are very great! You are clothed with splendor and majesty, covering yourself with light as with a garment, stretching out the heavens like a tent. He lays the beams of his chambers on the waters; he makes the clouds his chariot; he rides on the wings of the wind; he makes his messengers winds, his ministers a flaming fire. He set the earth on its foundations, so that it should never be moved. You covered it with the deep as with a garment; the waters stood above the mountains. ” (Psalm 104:1–6, ESV)

Psalm by psalm, verse by verse, these worship songs provide the reader with an inescapable conclusion: God is the mighty creator of the universe, intimately involved in the lives of his children and worthy of their praise for his protection and provision.

It is our hope that this background information helps a bit as you read on in the Bible.

For daily insights into the passage we are reading together each day, you can follow Dr. Smith on Twitter and on Facebook.

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The weekend revolves around four key messages:

Help! My Community Is Changing!
What’s Your Dream for Your Church? (And How Do You Reach It?)
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You can learn more here.

Psalms: Gritty Expressions of Agony and Woe! (Book 3)

DrMattPhD — Thu, 07 Jul 2011 11:09:50 +0000

Artwork Credit: thespiritualcoach.com

Psalms: Gritty Expressions of Agony and Woe! (Book 3)

We have said that Psalms are, in reality, the words to the praise and worship songs of the long ago nation of Israel. Imagine these lyrics as the power point slides or the song sheets handed out to those who come to sing praise to God each weekend.

As we move into the third volume or book of Psalms, we get into some deep and dark waters. The lives of the psalmists reflect troublesome and despairing times. Remembering that we are reading the lyrics to these worship songs, we are to feel the message in a way that allows us to relate and communicate with God from our soul and not just with our mind. We have said the following about this volume:

Book 3 – Psalms 73-89 take us into the dark recesses of real life and the injustice so many of God’s people face on a daily basis. In these gritty expressions of agony and woe, men like Asaph and the sons of Korah reveal the pain and hope one must express when life grows grim and hopeless.

Reading these song lyrics reminds us …

The wicked appear to have everything going for them, until we step into the worship center and realize their eternal end as Psalm 73 encourages us to do.
Oppression happens to the righteous from the enemies of God and it often feels as if God has forgotten his people until we remember that our hope and help comes only from God, who is the Judge of all the earth, which is Asaph’s contention in Psalms 74-75.
People who love God often have to live with the consequences of other’s sin, just as Asaph explains in Psalm 78, feeling the failures of past generations in the present.
In those times of horrific distress, the pleas of God’s people for restoration are often resisted by the simple need for repentance among the current generation who are following the ways of their predecessors, as Asaph outlines in Psalms 80-81.
Blessing comes from corporate worship, as the sons of Korah tell us in Psalm 84, which many may feel is unnecessary for they misunderstand that our faith is about the public expression of God’s wonderful glory and grace, love and faithfulness.
Despondency is not a foreign emotion to the God-follower who finds themselves in a small minority of the population or in a struggling worship community that is laughed at and derided daily for “out-dated” beliefs, as Heman the Ezahite cries out about in Psalm 88.
Sorrowing over the blessings lost as described in God’s Word and the present reality’s hardships can take a deep toll on one’s faith, which needs a fresh infusion of God’s presence and response, grace and glory according to Ethan the Ezrahite in Psalm 89.

Slogging through the despair and distress of this volume of songs – these dirges of God’s people – causes us to understand: Our failures today impact our children in multiplied ways we cannot begin to comprehend. Our legacy of faith will be found in the exponential fruit of our lives lived – either passionately with and for God or apathetically against him. Those who enjoy that fruit will be our children and grandchildren.

It is our hope that this background information helps a bit as you read on in the Bible.

For daily insights into the passage we are reading together each day, you can follow Dr. Smith on Twitter and on Facebook.

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The weekend revolves around four key messages:

Help! My Community Is Changing!
What’s Your Dream for Your Church? (And How Do You Reach It?)
Healthy Churches Grow!
Reaching Your Community In Your Generation! (It’s All About the Mission!)

You can learn more here.

Psalms: Understanding Hebrew Poetry!

DrMattPhD — Mon, 04 Jul 2011 11:09:56 +0000

Artwork Credit: web.cn.edu

Psalms: Understanding Hebrew Poetry!

We continue to move deeper into the books of Psalms, noting as we do that Hebrew poetry is much different from what we may be familiar with. Understanding the mechanics and methods of such poetry helps us gain more of the “hidden” meaning behind the words. Hebrew poetry uses three key mechanisms to convey the emotion of the message:

Parallelism

Think of parallelism like railroad tracks. No train can deliver its cargo without both tracks. Likewise, the message in Hebrew poetry cannot be delivered of one of the tracks of the meaning are missed. Essentially, the second line in such poetry deepens, expands or explains the meaning of the first line. In Hebrew poetry, you will find two main types of parallelism …

1. Synonymous Parallelism

When the second line means the same thing as the first (albeit with further illustration, explanation or definition), you have synonymous parallelism. An example of such parallelism is …

“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?

The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”

(Psalm 27:1, ESV)

In our example the Lord is referred to as, “my light and my salvation” in the first line. The second line deepens the reason for this reality when it says, “The Lord is the stronghold of my life.” In other words, the Lord is the stronghold of David’s life, a place of great security. There, in that stronghold, David says is his salvation, which is the light of his life.

Thus, being secure in the Lord and safe in the light of God’s presence he can say twice, “whom shall I fear?” “… of whom shall I be afraid?” Fear flees when we realize that in God’s presence there is nothing that can separate you from that love and protection.

2. Antithetic Parallelism

Antithetic parallelism reverses the meaning and gives you the opposite meaning of the first line in the second. The classic example of this is Psalm 1.

Thesis:

“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the wicked, nor stands in the way of sinners, nor sits in the seat of scoffers;

Antithesis:

“… but his delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law he meditates day and night.

Thesis:

“He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers.

Antithesis:

“The wicked are not so, but are like chaff that the wind drives away. Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the congregation of the righteous;

Thesis:

“… for the Lord knows the way of the righteous,

Antithesis:

“… but the way of the wicked will perish. ” (Psalm 1:1–6, ESV)

Understanding this powerful method of expression can bring deeper understanding as one slows down and seeks to glean all they can from the lines of these songs. Like those of us who sing our favorite songs over and over, deeper meaning and applications come with time as our experiences change and model those expressed in these songs of praise and worship. (Hint: since these are Hebrew methods of literary expression, you can find them in other Bible passages written by God’s people, including the New Testament!)

A second devise used by the psalmists is the …

Strophe

“A strophe is a logical unit determined by either the subject matter or structure of the poem (Bullock, 2008, 41).” Think stanza in a song from today. In most of the psalms you will not find a clear cue for the change of stanzas or strophes apart from the content itself. The differences in emphasis inside the psalm are usually enough to break the song into stanzas.

As David expresses the wonders of God’s Word in Psalm 19, we find two strophes, or stanzas. The first, Psalm 19:1-6, express how we can see God’s glory in the works of his hands in creation. Then he moves to the glories of God from the words of God in the second strophe in Psalm 19:7-14.

Chiastic Structure

One of the more complicated mechanisms found in Hebrew writing in general and its poetry in specific is the chiastic structure of the passage. Chiasm “comes from the Greek word chiazein, meaning to place crosswise or in the shape of the Greek letter chi (c).

Using Psalm 8 as an example, Dr. Robert L. Alden cites the following to explain chiasm:

A Benediction (v.1)

B God’s rule (vv. 2-3)

C Human meanness (v. 4)

C’ Human greatness (v. 5)

B’ Humanity’s rule (vv. 6-8)

A’ Benediction (v.9) (Bullock, 2008, 43).

As we contemplate the complexity of the psalms themselves, we begin to see this truth: God designed these timeless messages to help us put words to our pain, pressures and problems. He wanted us to be able to extol his greatness, steadfast love and constant intervention. Psalms are a gift to help us express our hearts and souls to a God who loves us and never forsakes us in the midst of an assembly of his like-minded children.

Source: Bullock, C. H.. (2008). Encountering The Book Of Psalms. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic.

It is our hope that this background information helps a bit as you read on in the Bible.

For daily insights into the passage we are reading together each day, you can follow Dr. Smith on Twitter and on Facebook.

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The weekend revolves around four key messages:

Help! My Community Is Changing!
What’s Your Dream for Your Church? (And How Do You Reach It?)
Healthy Churches Grow!
Reaching Your Community In Your Generation! (It’s All About the Mission!)

You can learn more here.

Psalms: Intense Personal Intimacy With God! (Book 2)

DrMattPhD — Sat, 02 Jul 2011 11:09:00 +0000

Artwork Credit: houseoftitus.wordpress.com

Psalms: Intense Personal Intimacy With God!

By now, if you are reading along on our reading schedule, you have sensed the amazing intimacy David and the other writers have with God. They take everything to God – joys and heartaches, triumphs and tragedies, friends and fiends.

As we step into book 2, we remember the focus of this section of the worship manual for Israel:

Book 2 – Psalms 42-72 include a mixture of several authors including David, Asaph and even Solomon. As the reader journeys along with Israel we gain a deeper appreciation for the intense personal intimacy the psalm writer feels with God. Truly one can share everything with God through a range of emotions and feel that the Great Creator is listening and somehow suffering with His child.

As you delve deeper into the ethos of the people of God, we hope you will see that it is alright to bring it all to God – every raw emotion, every deep pain, every bleeding wound to your soul and body are all ingredients for your ongoing friendship with God. As you read Book 2, consider some of these examples:

Consider how you could emulate the longings of the lambasted as the sons of Korah reach out to God in Psalm 42.
Contemplate how you could imitate the abundance of the overwhelmed the sons of Korah seek to express the glories of Messiah in Psalm 45.
Weigh how you would express the shame and failure of your evil and wickedness as David attempts to gain forgiveness from God in Psalm 51.
Work out how you would relate the pain and torture from the hatred and terrors from your enemies as David expresses his trust in God in Psalm 55.
Imagine how you would verbalize the passionate pursuit of God as David gives voice to his joy and thirst for God in Psalm 63.
Envision how you would give voice to the watch care and compassion of an unfailing Lord of love as David seeks to capture His majesty in Psalm 68.
Conceive of how you would frame the desperateness of your situation when attacked without cause as David pleads with God in Psalm 69.
Reckon how you would proceed in the presence of the King of Glory as you enter His unreserved presence as Solomon does in Psalm 72.

In reading these psalms slowly, we come to a huge reality: God cares and longs for us to enter His presence no matter our condition and emotion. As we do, He longs for us to be honest, forthright and even raw when in that condition, for He is a Father who cares and longs to love and care for us as we are, not as we might pretend to be!

It is our hope that this background information helps a bit as you read on in the Bible.

For daily insights into the passage we are reading together each day, you can follow Dr. Smith on Twitter and on Facebook.

Host a Reaching Your Community In Your Generation Seminar!

The weekend revolves around four key messages:

Help! My Community Is Changing!
What’s Your Dream for Your Church? (And How Do You Reach It?)
Healthy Churches Grow!
It’s All About the Mission!

You can learn more here.

Psalms: Worship Manual for Life!

DrMattPhD — Mon, 27 Jun 2011 11:09:20 +0000

Psalms: Worship Manual for Life!

Psalms are, in reality, the words to the praise and worship songs of the nation of Israel long ago. Imagine these as the power point slides or the song sheets handed out to those who come to sing praise to God.

Like what the Spirit of God is doing today, fresh music and songs from the past were interwoven to express the heart and desire appropriate to the times God’s people lived in.

The book of psalms consists of 150 psalms or “songs” written by many different worship artists and authors. Some date from the time of Moses, others are written by King David. You will find written by a team (like the sons of Korah) and still others that drifted onto the scene without anyone remembering who wrote the song. (Obviously there were no copyright or royalty issues back then!)

Psalms is broken into 5 volumes, sometimes called books. In each section, we notice certain features that help us understand their grouping better. As we read through these worship songs, we will note …

Book 1 – Psalms 1-41 are predominately written by David, king of Israel. You will note in many of David’s songs his characteristic complaints about his situation followed by his assurance of God’s watch care and provision.

Book 2 – Psalms 42-72 include a mixture of several authors including David, Asaph and even Solomon. As the reader journies along with Israel we gain a deeper appreciation for the intense personal intimacy the psalm writer feels with God. Truly one can share everything with God through a range of emotions and feel that the Great Creator is listening and somehow suffering with His child.

Book 4 – Psalms 90-106 scream our the truth, “God has always been on the throne and He still reigns!” Hope begins to break forth into a blazing sunrise as the worshipper responds to this age-old truth: God is King – period.

Book 5 – Psalms 107-150 wrap this collection of worship songs up with the strong vocalization of God’s worth. From a several more songs from King David(Psalm 108-110; 138-145), to a series of songs pilgrims would sing on the way up the mountain road to Jerusalem to the longest psalm about the glories of the words of the King of kings (Psalm 119), to five “Hallelujah” (Literally: Praise God!) psalms (Psalm 146-150), Book 5 leaves the reader / worshipper with little doubt that God is the center of life and the central joy of life as well.

When we drink deeply from the 5-volume set of worship songs, we are left to admit: God welcomes us into His presence with joy and pleasure (Psalm 16.11), no matter our present situation or how frazzled our nerves. He simply wishes us to run to our Father in Heaven and trust in His unfailing love.

It is our hope that this background information helps a bit as you read on in the Bible.

For daily insights into the passage we are reading together each day, you can follow Dr. Smith on Twitter and on Facebook.

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Job: God Does What He Does (Job 38-42)

DrMattPhD — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 11:09:48 +0000

Artwork Credit: cwlinc.com

Job: God Does What He Does (Job 38-42)

As Elihu wraps up his explanation of Job’s pain and suffering, God steps in and speaks directly to Job. Reading the exchange between God and Job, note that …

God doesn’t explain the reasons for Job’s difficulties.
God does explain that he is beyond comprehension. (Job 38-39)
God does call Job’s complaints into question. (Job 40-41)
Job acknowledges God’s ability to do anything he wants to. (Job 42.1-6)
God rebukes Eliphaz, Bildad and Zophar calling them to repent and request Job’s prayers on their behalf. (Job 42.7-9)
God restores all of Job’s losses two-fold and blesses him with long life. (Job 42.10-17)

Wrapping up the ordeal in Job’s life, we should keep in mind a couple of realities: First, God does what he wants to do without explaining himself. Second, while we may not specifically know why God allows suffering in our lives, we do know that God has a purpose – even if that purpose is to silence the ranting of Satan!

It is our hope that this background information helps a bit as you read on in the Bible.

For daily insights into the passage we are reading together each day, you can follow Dr. Smith on Twitter and on Facebook.

Join Dr. Smith in Bell Gardens, CA Tomorrow!

2 Conditions of the Happy Man in Times of Distress

DrMattPhD — Tue, 21 Jun 2011 11:09:51 +0000

Photo Credit: danlew.com

In difficult times, many “Christians” display less than the fruit of the Spirit, especially the fruit of joy. Strain can do awful things to the child of God when they are living their daily lives at a distance from God.

However, when we are in close relationship with the Lord, the fruit of the Spirit flows through our soul. Time alone with God allows him to express and explain his care for us. Job discusses why we can have joy in the midst of tough times …

““Behold, happy is the man whom God corrects; Therefore do not despise the chastening of the Almighty. For He bruises, but He binds up; He wounds, but His hands make whole. He shall deliver you in six troubles, Yes, in seven no evil shall touch you. In famine He shall redeem you from death, And in war from the power of the sword. You shall be hidden from the scourge of the tongue, And you shall not be afraid of destruction when it comes. You shall laugh at destruction and famine, And you shall not be afraid of the beasts of the earth. ” (Job 5:17–22, NKJV)

We can be happy in distressful times …

Because God corrects us.

God loves us. In the midst of daily life God is an active participant in our lives. God longs for our lives to bring glory to him, to fulfill his purposes. Those purposes include living a life of joy (John 15.11). As God corrects us, he longs for our lives to be lived in a pathway that will bring this about.

God’s activities include wounding our hearts and bodies and sometimes shattering our plans and dreams. While this may seem harsh, God knows our stubbornness. (As do we, if we are honest.) In many of those times God uses stronger methods to get our attention. Note that though God intervenes in painful ways to return us to his life of love, he also remains with us until our hearts and souls are healed with happiness.

We can also be happy in distressful times …

Because God delivers us.

While things may look bleak at the moment, you can trust that God will deliver you! In fact, despite your situation, Job reminds us that God has your situation covered. He speaks of how God’s presence and power brings joy and happiness in many different difficulties: famine, war, the “scourge of the tongue,” and in destruction.

While these are usually times of great negative emotions, Job tells us that we will “not be afraid” and even “laugh” when these seasons come!

Because of God’s unending love, he not only works in our daily life – which we know by his correction – but God also rescues us in the midst of difficult times. Job not only knew this intellectually, he trusted God in the midst of his situation, waiting for God’s rescue, which eventually came.

Just as Job knew God would rescue him, you can be sure God will rescue you!

<<<>>>

For daily insights into the passage we are reading together each day, you can follow Dr. Smith on Twitter and on Facebook.

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7 Reasons to Hope In God

DrMattPhD — Mon, 20 Jun 2011 11:06:20 +0000

Photo Credit: itswonderfulgood.blogspot.com

For so many, fulltime employment seems to be an elusive dream. Unemployment rates are high, and the gap between jobs can be paralyzing for many. I know because it has been 15 months since I’ve had a fulltime position.

When time drags on and you have done everything you can possibly think of to find that position, it is natural to ask God, “Where are you? What have I done? When will you answer my prayers?”

The only hope for the child of God in these dark times is an intimate, vibrant walk with God. In those quiet times of listening to the Spirit of God, reading his word and praying for direction, we discover the same seven reasons to hope in God that Job knew.

“As for me, I would seek God, and to God would I commit my cause, who does great things and unsearchable, marvelous things without number: he gives rain on the earth and sends waters on the fields; he sets on high those who are lowly, and those who mourn are lifted to safety. He frustrates the devices of the crafty, so that their hands achieve no success. He catches the wise in their own craftiness, and the schemes of the wily are brought to a quick end. They meet with darkness in the daytime and grope at noonday as in the night. But he saves the needy from the sword of their mouth and from the hand of the mighty. So the poor have hope, and injustice shuts her mouth.” (Job 5:8–16, ESV)

God does great things – whenever my heart begins to question God’s ability to help me, I return to this truth.
God gives rain to the earth – abundance is God’s heart and this passage reminds me that God is always preparing for the season of harvest – including mine.
God raises the lowly – perhaps one of the more encouraging aspects of God’s character is that he promotes those who are low, in his time and for his purposes.
God lifts those who mourn – repeatedly we discover from God’s Word that God is touched by the cry of his children. This promise encourages me because God knows our hearts and hears our cries for help.
God frustrates the crafty – some people are out to get us, and God knows who they are. If you are a victim of such treatment, God knows what’s happening and will put an end to their devices.
God catches the wily – again, if you are suffering from the schemes of people who are purposely injuring you or your career, God has amazing ways to expose them and dispose of them.
God saves the needy from the mighty – note the phrase, “from the sword of their mouth.” In times of great distress, there seems to be no end to the number of comments and people who would like to condemn us, to make some snide remark or pass judgment. God saves us from these – whether we listen to them or they are intimated.

Over the past 15 months there have been many times when I’ve felt down. Each time I return to one of these great truths.

God cares and God is working on my behalf because he loves his children. The same is true for you.

Trust God and stay close to him. He is working on your behalf and will answer soon!

For daily insights into the passage we are reading together each day, you can follow Dr. Smith on Twitter and on Facebook.

Join Dr. Smith in Bell Gardens, CA This Month!

Can God Brag On Me?

DrMattPhD — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 11:09:49 +0000

God Enjoys Our Purity and Obedience

“Then the Lord said to Satan, “Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fears God and shuns evil?” ” (Job 1:8, NKJV)

Does God enjoy your practice of personal purity and your obedience to him? As I was reading Job 1, I was enthralled by several things …

That God pays attention to his children so closely – which cause me to pray: “Thank you for being a God who is attentive and personal with your kids!”
That God delights in our lifestyle choices when they follow his instructions – which prompted me to pray, “Thank you for being a God of wisdom and goodness!”
That God blesses us when we follow his directions (note Job 1.1-3) – which led me to pray: “Thank you for being a God who wisely desires our best and pours out your hand of blessing when we follow you!”

As I looked at these descriptions of Job that God himself refers to, I am also touched by what he specifically notices – what I will call, “the character of those God commends.” Note that he points out specifically that Job was …

Blameless – God finds those who live their lives without injuring others to be models of his heart!
Upright – God loves to brag about those children who choose the path of right, spiritually, socially (note Job 4.2-3), etc.!
Fears God – God applauds the child that understands their place and who longs for his favor upon their lives!
Shuns evil – God rejoices over the children that depart from the road of short-term self-serving which leads to destruction, either in this life, the next or both!

As I meditated on these things, I confessed my need to be more like Job and less like me. (Perhaps you can identify with some of these thoughts. Maybe my thoughts will bring others in your life to mind.) “I so long to be …

“Blameless in your sight – forgive me for injuring people with words and attitudes. Forgive me for thinking more of myself than of others.
“Upright in my dealings with others – forgive me for shading the truth or hiding the truth to get my way. Help me to make choices that honor your name, for in each of these examples I have given, I have dirtied your name and fouled your fame.
“One who fears God – forgive me for doubting you, your power, ability, wisdom, love. So many times I worry, my signature that you are not who you say you are. My situation is so simple for you to solve. How I long to trust in such a way that demonstrates that I understand my place and who you are. I long for your favor upon my life!
“One who shuns evil – forgive me for even entertaining evil in my mind. You have been so gracious to help me avoid evil with my actions – though I am far from perfect, I am much better than I have been. I despise the evil, it’s consequences and the injury it does to your heart. Please help me to depart from the road of short-term self-serving that leads to destruction, either in this life, the next or both! I long to be one whom you rejoice in b/c I shun evil from thought to action!

“Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth, in my life and in my family’s life, as it is in Heaven.”

Such a passage has incredible implications as to who God is, what he delights in and where I need to lead my life. Perhaps you have seen others? I would love to hear about them! Use the comment form below.

Job: Why Do Good People Suffer?

DrMattPhD — Wed, 15 Jun 2011 11:09:40 +0000

Clip Art Credit: clipartillustration.com

Job: Why Do Good People Suffer?

Pulling back the curtain of eternity, God reveals to us the inner workings of his world, the Throne Room of God. While Job doesn’t answer all the questions we might have, it surely explains many things that bother the most simple-thinking human.

As we look into this book, we discover it is broken into five clear sections. We want to explore each one.

Sometimes People Suffer Because God Trusts Them

We first learn that …

Suffering can happen because God is bragging about you! (Job 1-2)

Suffering often crushes us! Through the shock we wonder, “What did I do to deserve this?” But this may be the wrong question. Job surely didn’t deserve the pain he went through.

Consider the character of this crushed man: His name means, “Repentant One,” showing us he lived in a state of favor with God. He carried the reputation of being blameless – no one could lay a charge at his feet. He feared God and shunned evil. God had given him seven sons – a sign of God’s favor, as well as three daughters as a heritage. He was prosperous, held position of high esteem as the greatest of all the people of the East. With all of this in his favor, he never took any of it for granted. He constantly concerned himself for his children’s spiritual well being.

As you reflect on these opening chapters, you quickly realize that Job’s problems resulted, not from his failures, but from his successes. What we see here is a disgusted enemy of God – Satan – tired of Job’s blessings and a thrilled Father in Heaven – God – bragging about Job’s faithfulness.

In the paragraphs that follow, we see that God is bragging about Job’s integrity and spirituality and Satan wants to test it by stripping him of every blessing God has given him. Consider the immensity of God’s losses – in one day Job loses his industry, his prosperity, his commerce and his posterity! To our shock and horror, God agrees – with limits.

And so, the question we should ask when we go through times of extreme suffering is this: “How have I pleased God so that he would entrust to me this opportunity to shine for His name and fame to all who know and hear of my situation?” This is the lesson of Job and the pages that follow in his journal of suffering.

Wrapping our minds around these two chapters surely brings about great hours of pondering and review of the text. Yet, there is one clear lesson in this passage: Often the good person suffers to display their trust in the God they have professed and been blessed by so that others may come to know and love Him too!

Once we understand the real question to ask, we then turn our attention to the fact that …

Suffering can be intensified by lousy friends who mean well! (Job 3-31)

In this passage, you will meet Job’s three friends, who at first come and do the right thing – they empathize and remain silent. Who can measure the grief that Job has felt? Like all good friends, they have stayed in communication; they care and are considerate of him and his situation. They show compassion and connect with him by sitting with him, showing their contrition to God as well. Their commitment to Job is to be applauded as they sit with him for seven days and are considerate of his pain by remaining silent.

But as time passes and Job aches verbally, their true natures arise and all of the good they have done in the first week is quickly erased in the days that follow. Consider these three “friends” and how they intensify the pain of Job …

Eliphaz – You have foolishly sinned and God is punishing you!
Bildad – You should repent because this only happens to sinful people!
Zophar – You are a wicked man and have deceived yourself. You need to get right with God!

In round after round Job’s friends attack him – meaning well, but woefully ignorant of the facts or the scene in Heaven. When Job protests his innocence and calls them to account, they take up their cause again.

Lessons abound in this portion of the text, but one strong truth is this: Comfort the aching and allow God to bring about heart change – no one converts at the end of an accusation!

It is our hope that this background information helps a bit as you read on in the Bible.

For daily insights into the passage we are reading together each day, you can follow Dr. Smith on Twitter and on Facebook.

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